Sarmale (transylvanian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)
Sarmale is a traditional Romanian dish consisting of cabbage rolls stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices. This dish is a staple at special occasions and holidays, and it's a labor of love that brings families together in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup tomato juice
Instructions
- Core the cabbage and carefully remove the leaves, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes, then set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground pork, rice, onion, garlic, tomato paste, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf, then roll them up, tucking in the sides.
- Layer the cabbage rolls in a large pot, seam side down, then pour tomato juice over them.
- Cover and simmer on 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
- 20g
- Fat
- 18g
Supplies
Large pot Sharp knife Cutting board
Tools
Tongs Wooden spoon
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, substitute the ground pork with a mixture of mushrooms, rice, and spices.
Cost
$15