Sarmale

Sarmale is a traditional dish in Romanian cuisine, consisting of cabbage rolls filled with a savory mixture of rice and ground meat, typically pork.

Sarmale

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cabbage
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil the whole head of cabbage in a large pot of water for 5-7 minutes, then carefully remove the leaves and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, mix the ground pork, rice, onion, tomato sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf, then roll them up, tucking in the sides.
  4. Arrange the cabbage rolls in a large pot, seam side down, and pour enough water to cover them.
  5. Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
3 hours
Total time:
3 hours
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
300 per serving
Protein
15g
Carbohydrates
25g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Large pot Bowl

Tools

Knife Cutting board

Serving suggestions

Sarmale is traditionally served with sour cream and a side of polenta or crusty bread.

Tips & tricks

For a vegetarian version, the ground pork can be substituted with mushrooms and additional rice.

Cost

$15