Recipe of Sarmale
Sarmale, known for its exquisite taste and rich tradition, is a beloved Romanian delicacy. This classic dish features cabbage leaves generously filled with a savory blend of minced meat, rice, and aromatic spices, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. Sarmale hold a special place in Romanian cuisine, often gracing the tables of festive gatherings and celebrations, where they serve as a delicious symbol of Romania's culinary heritage. Embrace the heartwarming essence of Romanian culture by savoring these delectable cabbage rolls.
Recipe Summary
Preparation
90 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Category
Meat
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 500g ground pork
- 250g rice, uncooked
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup tomato juice
- 2 bay leaves
- Sour cream for serving
Join me and let's see how to make Sarmale
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Boil the whole cabbage in a large pot of water until the leaves are softened. Carefully peel off the leaves and set them aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix the ground pork, rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Rolls: Take a cabbage leaf, place a spoonful of the filling in the center, and fold the sides over, rolling it into a tight cylinder. Repeat for all leaves.
- Layer in a Pot: Line the bottom of a large pot with cabbage leaves. Place the rolls on top, layering them. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and add bay leaves.
- Cooking: Pour tomato juice over the rolls. Cover and simmer on low heat for 60-75 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Once cooked, discard bay leaves, and serve the Sarmale hot with a dollop of sour cream.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Tips for this recipe
Here are some useful tips to perfectly prepare Sarmale and get the best results.
- Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor
- Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook
- Monitor temperature during cooking to prevent burning
Variations of this recipe
Try these delicious variations of Sarmale to give a different touch to your preparation.
- Vegetarian version: substitute meat with plant proteins like tofu or legumes
- Spicy version: add chili peppers or spicy spices to taste
- Healthy version: reduce oil and increase vegetables
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe has a Intermediate difficulty level, which means it's accessible for cooks of all levels.
The preparation time is 90 minutes and the cooking time is minutes.
This recipe is designed for servings.
Yes, many ingredients can be substituted with similar alternatives. We recommend checking the recipe variations.
Store the preparation in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Some preparations can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Recipes Categories
Recipes of Appetizer
Recipes of Beans
Recipes of Breads and pastries
Recipes of Cakes
Recipes of Cakes and Pies
Recipes of Cheeses
Recipes of Chicken
Recipes of Chiles - Aji
Recipes of Cookies
Recipes of Corn
Recipes of Creams
Recipes of Desserts
Recipes of Drinks
Recipes of Eggplants
Recipes of Eggs
Recipes of Empanadas
Recipes of Fish
Recipes of Guatitas
Recipes of Healthy
Recipes of Jams and Sweets
Recipes of Lasagnas
Recipes of Legumes
Recipes of Meat
Recipes of Non-alcoholic drinks
Recipes of Pasta - Noodles
Recipes of Pizzas
Recipes of Potatoes
Recipes of Puddings
Recipes of Pumpkin
Recipes of Puree
Recipes of Rice
Recipes of Salads
Recipes of Sandwiches
Recipes of Sauces
Recipes of Seafood
Recipes of Shakes
Recipes of Soups
Recipes of Teas and Coffees
