Beef stuffed grape leaves

Beef Sarmale Wrapped in Swiss Chard - A Healthy and Flavorful Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total: 90 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn’t love sarmale? These little delights, typically wrapped in vine leaves, get a fresh and nutritious twist when prepared with Swiss chard leaves. This recipe is not only a healthy alternative but also a great way to add some variety to our meals.

A Bit of History

Sarmale have a long-standing tradition, prepared in various forms around the world. They have always been a symbol of togetherness, often served at festive meals or family gatherings. Using Swiss chard leaves instead of vine leaves adds a touch of freshness and originality. Swiss chard leaves are rich in nutrients and have a slightly bitter taste that pairs perfectly with the meat filling.

Ingredients Needed

- 1 kg lean beef (choose lean meat for better flavor)
- 2 tablespoons rice (preferably long-grain rice that absorbs flavors well)
- 2 bunches green onions (or regular onions if preferred)
- 1 bunch fresh dill (adds flavor and freshness)
- 1 bunch fresh parsley (for a fresh taste)
- 2 eggs (to bind the mixture)
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs (helps absorb moisture)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (or tomato juice for added flavor)
- 4 bunches Swiss chard leaves (make sure they are fresh and tender)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Swiss chard leaves: Start by washing the Swiss chard leaves thoroughly under cold running water. Then, place them in a pot of boiling water and add salt. Let them boil for 3-4 seconds, then remove and plunge them immediately into cold water. This procedure helps maintain the vibrant green color and nutrients in the leaves. Once cooled, carefully remove the thicker veins to make rolling easier.

2. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef well with the rice, finely chopped green onions, dill, parsley, eggs, breadcrumbs, and tomato paste. Add salt and pepper to taste. It’s important to mix the filling thoroughly to achieve an even consistency.

3. Forming the sarmale: Take a Swiss chard leaf and place a teaspoon of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf, then roll from the stem to the tip, folding in the sides to seal the filling. Continue until you have used all the mixture.

4. Cooking the sarmale: In a pot, place a few Swiss chard leaves at the bottom to prevent the sarmale from sticking. Arrange the sarmale in a circular pattern, in layers. Prepare a sauce from water and tomato paste, pouring it over the sarmale until they are nearly covered. You can add spices to taste. Allow the sarmale to simmer on low heat for about 60 minutes. Check the water level occasionally and add more if necessary.

5. Serving: Once the sarmale are ready, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. They can be served with sour cream, which adds a creamy touch and balances the flavors. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness.

Practical Tips

- Choose fresh ingredients: The quality of the meat and vegetables will significantly influence the final taste. Opt for lean beef and fresh vegetables.
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the beef with a mix of finely chopped vegetables (for example, mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini) and rice for a healthy vegetarian version.
- Make ahead: Sarmale can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors intensify after sitting for a few hours.
- Delicious pairings: These sarmale pair perfectly with a glass of white or red wine, as well as with a refreshing yogurt.

Nutritional Benefits

Beef sarmale wrapped in Swiss chard are not only delicious but also healthy. Beef is an excellent source of protein and iron, while Swiss chard provides a boost of vitamins and minerals. A serving contains approximately 350 calories, depending on the proportions of the ingredients used, making it a hearty and filling lunch or dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of leaves?
Absolutely! You can try using vine leaves, cabbage, or even parsley leaves for a lighter version.

2. How can I store sarmale for longer?
You can keep sarmale in the fridge for 2-3 days. Additionally, you can freeze cooked sarmale, and when you crave them, just take them out and reheat.

3. What side dish pairs best?
Besides sour cream, sarmale can be served with a fresh summer salad or polenta.

I hope this recipe inspires you to try the delicious sarmale wrapped in Swiss chard! It’s a perfect choice for family meals or special occasions. With every bite, you will enjoy the flavors gathered in each roll. Enjoy your meal!