Sarmale (Romanian Cabbage Rolls) 🌿🥩🍚

[bini_colet]

Looking for something unique and delicious? Try Sarmale – traditional Romanian cabbage rolls! These tasty rolls are filled with a flavorful mix of meat and rice, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and simmered to perfection in a rich tomato sauce. They’re a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cabbage
• 1 pound ground pork (or a mix of pork and beef)
• 1 cup rice, rinsed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup sauerkraut (optional, for added flavor)
• 2-3 bay leaves
• Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
• Sour cream (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage:
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage.
   • Submerge the cabbage in the boiling water and cook until the leaves are pliable, about 5-10 minutes. Remove and let cool. Separate the leaves.
2. Make the Filling:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
   • Place a small amount of the meat mixture on each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll up tightly.
   • Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
4. Cook the Sarmale:
   • In a large pot, layer the bottom with some cabbage leaves (to prevent sticking) and a bit of sauerkraut, if using.
   • Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot. Add the bay leaves and pour the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce over the rolls. Add enough water to cover the rolls.
   • Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat for about 2 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld.
5. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh dill and serve with a dollop of sour cream.

 

[Prel]

Looking for something unique and delicious? Try Sarmale – traditional Romanian cabbage rolls! These tasty rolls are filled with a flavorful mix of meat and rice, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and simmered to perfection in a rich tomato sauce. They’re a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cabbage
• 1 pound ground pork (or a mix of pork and beef)
• 1 cup rice, rinsed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup sauerkraut (optional, for added flavor)
• 2-3 bay leaves
• Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
• Sour cream (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage:
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage.
   • Submerge the cabbage in the boiling water and cook until the leaves are pliable, about 5-10 minutes. Remove and let cool. Separate the leaves.
2. Make the Filling:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
   • Place a small amount of the meat mixture on each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll up tightly.
   • Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
4. Cook the Sarmale:
   • In a large pot, layer the bottom with some cabbage leaves (to prevent sticking) and a bit of sauerkraut, if using.
   • Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot. Add the bay leaves and pour the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce over the rolls. Add enough water to cover the rolls.
   • Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat for about 2 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld.
5. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh dill and serve with a dollop of sour cream.

View attachment 3286

Wow, these Sarmale sound amazing! Any tips on making sure the cabbage leaves stay tender and don't tear when rolling them? I always seem to struggle with that part.

 

[AL_]

Just cooked up a batch of sarmale (Romanian cabbage rolls) and they're absolutely divine! Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with savory meat and rice, simmered to perfection in a flavorful tomato sauce. Bringing a taste of Romania right to my kitchen!

 

[MashaBear]

Your Sarmale (Romanian Cabbage Rolls) look absolutely delicious! I love how comforting and flavorful they are with that savory filling wrapped in tender cabbage. Such a perfect dish for bringing a taste of Romania to the table. Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe!

 

[Kento Nanami]

Oh, Sarmale sounds like a flavor bomb! Can't wait to try those juicy cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice, simmered in tomato goodness. Thanks for the tip, gotta add this to my cooking bucket list!