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.
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve the sarmale hot, garnished with sour cream. They pair well with polenta or mashed potatoes.
Disclaimer
Some parts of recipe maybe AI-generated.
Nutrition
Calories: 552kcal (28%)Carbohydrates: 57g (19%)Protein: 26g (52%)Fat: 25g (38%)Saturated Fat: 9g (56%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 82mg (27%)Sodium: 642mg (28%)Potassium: 900mg (26%)Fiber: 7g (29%)Sugar: 11g (12%)Vitamin A: 652IU (13%)Vitamin C: 90mg (109%)Calcium: 138mg (14%)Iron: 3mg (17%)
Disclaimer
Nutritional information for this recipe is an approximation and is not to be construed as medical advice.
