Combined sarmale

Combined Sarmale with Grape Leaves and Sauerkraut - A Traditional Delicacy

If you are looking for a delicious recipe that combines tradition and flavor, sarmale combined with grape leaves and sauerkraut are the perfect choice! This dish has been lovingly prepared for generations, becoming a true culinary emblem, cherished in any season and celebration. Let's make these aromatic sarmale together and enjoy every bite!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour (on low heat) + 1 hour (in the oven)
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 1 kg pork (ideally with a little fat for juiciness)
- Grape leaves (about 20-25)
- Sauerkraut leaves (about 10-15)
- 4-5 green onions
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 cup of rice (about 200g)
- 1 cup of borscht (about 250ml)
- Oil (for sautéing the onion)
- 1 cup of canned tomatoes (about 250g)
- 1 glass of white wine (about 150ml)
- Salt and ground pepper (to taste)
- Peppercorns (4-5)
- Bay leaves (2-3)
- Sweet paprika (1 teaspoon)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (2-3)

Preparing the sarmale:

1. Preparing the leaves: Start by blanching the grape leaves in water mixed with borscht, in a 1:1 ratio, for 3-5 minutes. This step will not only soften them but also add a hint of acidity. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain in a colander. If using sauerkraut leaves, taste them. If they are too salty, soak them in cold water, changing the water 2-3 times.

2. Preparing the filling: Clean and finely chop the onion. Heat a little oil in a pan and sauté the onion until it becomes translucent. Add the well-washed rice and continue to sauté for 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. If necessary, you can add a little water.

3. Meat mixture: In a large bowl, chop the pork and add the onion and rice mixture. Season with salt, ground pepper, finely chopped dill, and paprika. Mix well, and if the filling seems too thick, you can add a little water. Knead by hand to combine the ingredients.

4. Wrapping the sarmale: Now comes the fun part! Take a grape or sauerkraut leaf and add a tablespoon of filling. Wrap the sarmale, making sure to seal the edges well. Repeat the process until you finish all the ingredients.

5. Arranging in the pot: In a deep pot, place some finely chopped sauerkraut leaves at the bottom. Arrange the sarmale alternately: one layer of sarmale in grape leaves, one layer in sauerkraut leaves, continuing until all ingredients are used. Sprinkle a little paprika, bay leaves, peppercorns, and a few thyme sprigs after each layer.

6. Adding the sauce: Blend the canned tomatoes and pour them evenly over the sarmale. On top, place a few grape leaves. Add a glass of white wine and fill with water, ensuring that the sarmale are completely covered.

7. Cooking: Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and place it on low heat for about 1 hour. Then, transfer it to a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and leave it covered for another hour. The aroma will fill the entire house, and the sarmale will be tender and full of flavor.

8. Serving: Once the sarmale are ready, carefully remove them from the pot and serve them hot, alongside a portion of creamy polenta, sour cream, and, for those who love a little spice, a hot pepper. This combination is simply pure delight!

Useful tips:
- You can use beef or a mix of pork and beef for a different flavor.
- Instead of borscht, you can add lemon juice for an extra touch of acidity.
- Sarmale can be frozen after cooking, so you can prepare a larger batch and enjoy them later.

Nutritional benefits: Sarmale are an excellent source of protein due to the meat and rice, while grape and sauerkraut leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals. This dish offers a healthy balance of nutrients and can be a perfect choice for festive meals.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh grape leaves? Yes, but you will need to blanch them longer to soften them.
- How long can I keep sarmale in the fridge? They can be stored for 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
- Can I adapt the recipe to be vegetarian? Yes, replace the meat with a mix of mushrooms and vegetables or with a combination of rice and lentils.

Combined sarmale are not just a recipe, but a culinary experience full of traditions and memories. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, these sarmale will surely bring joy to your table. Enjoy your meal!