Sarmale In Foi De Vita (stuffed Grape Leaves)

Sarmale in Foi de Vita, also known as Stuffed Grape Leaves, is a traditional dish in Romani cuisine that is packed with flavorful ingredients and spices.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Main Course Romani Stuffed Grape Leaves Romani Cuisine Traditional Recipe
Sarmale In Foi De Vita (stuffed Grape Leaves)

Ingredients

  • 1 jar of grape leaves
  • 1 cup rice
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped dill
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the grape leaves by rinsing them under cold water and removing the stems.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the rice, ground pork, onion, dill, parsley, tomato paste, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Place a grape leaf flat on a work surface and add a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center.
  4. Roll the leaf, tucking in the sides, to form a tight roll.
  5. Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling.
  6. Place the stuffed grape leaves in a large pot, seam side down, and add enough water to cover them.
  7. Cover the pot and simmer for 2 hours, until the rice and meat are fully cooked.
  8. Remove the sarmale from the pot and let them cool slightly before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

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

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

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

Supplies

Large pot

Tools

Knife Cutting board Bowl

Serving suggestions

Serve the sarmale with a dollop of sour cream and a side of pickled vegetables.

Tips & tricks

For a vegetarian version, replace the ground pork with cooked lentils and mushrooms.

Cost

$15