Sarmale (stuffed Cabbage Rolls)
Sarmale is a traditional dish in Romani cuisine, consisting of cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, ground meat, and spices. This dish is a labor of love, often prepared for special occasions and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup tomato juice
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and blanch them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.
- In a bowl, mix together the uncooked rice, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place a spoonful of the meat and rice mixture onto each cabbage leaf, then fold the sides in and roll up to encase the filling.
- Place the stuffed cabbage rolls in a large pot, seam side down. Pour the tomato juice over the rolls and add enough water to cover them.
- Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 2-3 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
Cooking & Preparation
- Preparation time:
- 30 minutes
- Cooking time:
- 3 hours
- Total time:
- 3 hours
- Cooking method
- Stovetop
Nutritional facts per 1 serving
- Calories
- 350 per serving
- Carbohydrates
- 25g
- Protein
- 15g
- Fat
- 20g
Supplies
Large pot Bowl Knife Cutting board
Tools
Stovetop
Serving suggestions
Serve the sarmale hot, accompanied by a dollop of sour cream and a slice of crusty bread.
Tips & tricks
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground pork with a mixture of mushrooms, rice, and onions.
Cost
Low