Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

To prepare delicious sarmale, we start by making the filling. In a large bowl, we finely chop the onion, carrot, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley. These ingredients not only add flavor but also a touch of freshness. After chopping them, we mix them with minced meat, preferably pork or beef, depending on taste. We add two eggs, salt, pepper to taste, and a generous tablespoon of tomato paste, which will provide a rich flavor and an appetizing color to the sarmale. We mix well until we have a homogeneous composition.

Next comes the preparation of the cabbage. Using a sharp knife, we cut the core of the cabbage, being careful not to damage the leaves. We place the whole cabbage in a large pot, pour in hot water with added salt, so that the leaves will easily separate. After a few minutes, we take out the cabbage leaves with a spatula and let them cool slightly. It is important to choose the largest and prettiest leaves to form the sarmale.

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, we start filling the cabbage leaves. We take one leaf, put a tablespoon of the meat mixture, and carefully fold it, ensuring to seal the filling well. We place the formed sarmale in a deep dish, on a layer of chopped cabbage, and between them, we can add some peppercorns or a few bay leaves for extra flavor. We add three tablespoons of olive oil and a teaspoon of thyme, which will enhance the aroma of the sarmale.

After placing all the sarmale, we cover everything with the remaining cabbage leaves, add cold water to cover the sarmale completely. We cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and put everything in the oven. We set the temperature to 150 degrees Celsius and let the sarmale bake for about two hours on low heat. The aroma that will fill the kitchen during this time will be irresistible, and the final result will be a nourishing dish with a deep and comforting taste. When serving, we can add a tablespoon of sour cream on top to enhance the flavor, and the sarmale will surely become the stars of the meal!