Chicken rolls with plenty of greens in vine leaves

Name: Chicken rolls with plenty of greens in vine leaves
Ingredients: 1 kg of minced chicken breast; 1 cup of rice; 4 yellow onions; 3 tablespoons of tomato paste; 3 carrots; fresh beef leaves; 1 can of diced peeled tomatoes; salt; pepper; 1 teaspoon of thyme; 2 bunches of dill; 1 bunch of parsley; 2 tablespoons of oil

Meat - Chicken rolls with plenty of greens in vine leaves by Pamela G. - Recipia

Chicken sarmale with plenty of greens in vine leaves – a delicious and comforting recipe Sarmale, a beloved traditional dish, represent a true symphony of flavors and textures. Today, I propose you to prepare chicken sarmale with plenty of greens in vine leaves, a lighter and more aromatic variant that will transport you to a world full of savory tastes. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family meal or a gathering with friends. Let's begin our culinary adventure! Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 3 hours and 30 minutes Total time: 4 hours Number of servings: 6 Necessary ingredients: - 1 kg minced chicken breast - 1 cup rice - 4 yellow onions - 3 tablespoons tomato paste - 3 carrots - Fresh vine leaves (about 20-25, depending on their size) - 1 can of diced peeled tomatoes (about 400 g) - Salt, pepper (to taste) - 1 teaspoon thyme - 2 bunches of dill - 1 bunch of parsley - 2 tablespoons oil Before you start: A bit of history Sarmale have a rich and fascinating history, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Cooked with various types of meat and vegetables, they are often associated with festive meals or family gatherings. Vine leaves, on the other hand, are used in many dishes from different corners of the world, bringing a tangy taste and pleasant texture. In our recipe, the vine leaves embrace the meat and rice mixture, providing a truly delicious result. Steps for preparation: 1. Preparing the vine leaves: - Start by blanching the vine leaves. Boil water in a large pot and, when it comes to a boil, add the vine leaves. Let them boil for about 2-3 minutes, then remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain in a sieve. This step will help soften the leaves, making them easier to roll. 2. Preparing the rice: - In a pot, add one cup of water and the rice. Put it on medium heat and let it boil until the rice becomes fluffy. This step is essential, as the rice will continue to cook during the preparation of the sarmale. 3. Preparing the vegetables: - Wash the vegetables well. Chop the onion finely, and the carrots can be grated to soften faster during sautéing. In a large skillet, add the oil and sauté the onion and carrot over medium heat until they become soft and slightly golden. 4. Adding the tomato paste: - Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the tomato paste and mix well. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes so that the flavors combine and intensify. 5. Mixing the composition: - In a large bowl, add the minced meat, the cooked rice, and the sautéed vegetable mixture. Finely chop the dill and parsley, then add them to the bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix everything well to obtain a homogeneous composition. 6. Forming the sarmale: - Take a vine leaf and place a tablespoon of the meat mixture in the center. Fold the edges of the leaf over the filling and roll tightly, so it doesn't unravel during cooking. Continue to form the sarmale until you finish all the mixture. 7. Cooking the sarmale: - Arrange the sarmale in a cauldron or a large pot, placing them side by side so that they don't unravel. Add the diced peeled tomatoes and enough water to cover the sarmale. On top, you can add a few vine leaves for extra flavor. 8. Boiling: - Cover the cauldron with a lid and let the sarmale boil over medium heat for about 3 hours and 30 minutes. It is important to check from time to time, adding water if necessary. The vine leaves and the meat mixture will boil together, creating a tasty and aromatic dish. Useful tips: - If you prefer to use other types of meat, you can replace the chicken with pork or beef, but you will get a different taste. - I recommend serving the sarmale with yogurt or sour cream, which adds a creamy and refreshing contrast. - For extra flavor, you can also add a few bay leaves or peppercorns to the mixture. Nutritional benefits: Chicken sarmale are a healthy and filling option, due to the protein content from the meat, the fiber from the rice, and the vitamins from the vegetables. Dill and parsley also add important antioxidants and minerals. Frequently asked questions: - Can I use canned vine leaves? Yes, but make sure to rinse them well to remove excess salt. - How can I make the sarmale spicier? You can add hot peppers to the mixture or spices like paprika. Possible variations: - Instead of rice, you can use quinoa or bulgur for a healthier option. - Add other vegetables to the mixture, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to diversify the flavor. Serving suggestions: Sarmale can be served warm, alongside a spoonful of yogurt and a fresh or pickled cabbage salad. Enjoy your meal!