Sarmale

Sarmale

Sarmale is a traditional dish from Romania and other Eastern European countries. It is made by rolling a mixture of seasoned ground meat, usually pork, with rice and spices, in pickled cabbage leaves. These little cabbage rolls are then simmered slowly in a savory sauce, which gives them a delicious and unique flavor. Sarmale is often served with sour cream and polenta.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: European, Romanian
Calories: 552

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head pickled cabbage large or fresh cabbage leaves blanched in boiling water
  • 1 pound ground pork (you can also use a mixture of ground pork and beef)
  • 1 cup rice cooked
  • 1 medium-sized onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • Sour cream (for serving)

Method
 

  1. If using pickled cabbage, remove the leaves from the head and rinse under cold water. If using fresh cabbage leaves, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until soft. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Take a cabbage leaf and place a small portion of the meat mixture in the center. Roll the leaf tightly, folding in the sides as you go. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and meat mixture.
  4. In a large pot, arrange the cabbage rolls in layers, seam side down. Pour the broth over the rolls, making sure they are partially submerged.
  5. Place a lid on the pot and bring the liquid to a simmer. Cook on low heat for about 2-3 hours, or until the cabbage rolls are tender and the flavors have melded together.
  6. Serve the sarmale hot, garnished with sour cream. They pair well with polenta or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

Calories: 552kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 26gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 642mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 7gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 652IUVitamin C: 90mgCalcium: 138mgIron: 3mg

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