Romanian Cabbage Rolls or as we know in Romania, Sarmale, are a significant part of Romanian cuisine. These hearty rolls are made from pickled cabbage leaves stuffed with a succulent mix of pork, beef, and rice, cooked to perfection. Sarmale is a gratifying treat suitable for all occasions, particularly during winter holidays or family gatherings. An interesting combo of sour, sweet, and umami flavors, these cabbage rolls will surely capture the heart of every foodie out there. They are packed with flavour, easy to customize, and if you enjoy comfort food that���s a little out of the ordinary, well, these cabbage babies are an absolute must-try. Trust me, you’re in for a treat!
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Yield: 18 rolls
Enough talk! Let���s get down to the cooking part and rock those taste buds!
Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need
- 1 large pickled cabbage
- 500g of pork mince
- 150g of rice
- 2 onions
- 500g of canned tomatoes
- 100g of pork fat
To make Sarmale, you’ll need a large pot and a chopping board.
Remember, the pickled cabbage is the star of the show here. It’s what gives the Sarmale its signature tang. The pork mince and rice fillings bring richness and comfort. Feel free to get creative with your fillings! Maybe experiment with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Do you!
How To Make Romanian Cabbage Rolls(Sarmale)
- Start with the cabbage. You want to split the leaves one by one and cut out the hard stem. We won’t be needing that.
- The pork mince and rice need to be sauteed with chopped onions, salt, and pepper. This filling then gets wrapped in your cabbage leaves. Make sure they’re secured.
- Once that’s done, stack your filled leaves in your cooking pot follow it up with generous splashes of tomato sauce and chunks of pork fat. Simmer it low and slow for 3 hours.
Tips For The Best Results
- The thinner the cabbage leaves, the better they roll.
- Don’t over stuff your leaves. It can make them hard to roll and burst while cooking.
Storage Tips
- Sarmale can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For longer periods, they can be frozen and reheated when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute the pork fat with some thing else?
A: Yes! You can substitute pork fat with bacon. It gives a similar flavor.
Q: What do I serve with Sarmale?
A: Traditionally, they are served with polenta, sour cream and hot pepper.
Q: Can I make this vegan/vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Use mushrooms or tofu instead of meat and substitute the pork fat with olive oil.
Q: Are cabbage rolls healthy?
A: Moderation is key, but if it’s a special occasion, why not enjoy a little!
Q: Can I freeze the Sarmale?
A: Yes, you can freeze them and reheat when ready to serve.
Nutritional Facts of Romanian Cabbage Rolls(Sarmale)
Each serving contains:
Calories: 296
Fat: 11.9g
Carbohydrates: 27.1g
Protein: 20.2g
In conclusion, Sarmale is an explosion of tastes that should not be missed. It’s a challenge, but the results are worth it. Serve your Sarmale with a dollop of thick Greek yogurt or a nice loaf of fresh bread, a steady companion. Enjoy, my food-loving friends!
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