Light chicken sarmale

Light cabbage rolls with chicken meat

When we think of cabbage rolls, pleasant memories of family meals and special moments come to mind. These delicious rolls, filled with meat and rice, are a symbol of hospitality and culinary tradition. This time, I propose a lighter version using chicken meat. I invite you to discover this simple recipe that will bring a smile to your face and aromas to your home!

Recipe Information

- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 3 hours
- Total time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients

- 700 g pickled cabbage
- 500 g minced chicken
- 200 g mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 cup rice (approximately 100 g)
- 1 egg
- 1-2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1-2 tablespoons oil or homemade lard
- 1-2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Dried thyme, to taste
- Dried dill, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Utensils

- Large pots for boiling
- Baking trays or glass dishes for serving
- Grater for carrots
- Pan for sautéing onions
- Wooden spoons for mixing

Step by Step – Preparing Cabbage Rolls

1. Preparing the filling:
Start by sautéing the chopped onion in a pan with a little oil or lard, adding a tablespoon of sweet paprika for a delicious flavor. When the onion becomes translucent, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the minced chicken, chopped mushrooms, well-washed rice, grated carrots, egg, and sautéed onion. Season with salt and pepper, mixing well until homogeneous.

2. Preparing the cabbage leaves:
Wash the pickled cabbage leaves under running water to reduce acidity, then let them drain. It is important to choose whole leaves without cracks, so that you can easily form the rolls.

3. Assembling the rolls:
Chop some cabbage leaves to cover the bottom of the pot where you will boil the rolls. This step is essential to prevent them from sticking. Add oil or lard to the bottom of the pot, followed by the chopped cabbage and any remaining onion. Arrange the rolls as tightly as possible, then add chopped cabbage on top.

4. Adding the final ingredients:
Pour the tomato paste, sprinkle thyme and dried dill over the rolls, then add water until they are completely covered. It is important to check the water level during cooking and add more if necessary to prevent burning.

5. Boiling the rolls:
Place the pot on low heat and let the rolls simmer for about 3 hours. The aroma will fill the entire house, and you will be tempted to eat before they are ready!

Useful Tips

- Preparing in advance: The rolls can be made a day ahead, and the flavors improve overnight. You can reheat them before serving.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables or even finely chopped bacon instead of mushrooms for extra flavor. Replacing rice with quinoa can offer a healthier option.
- Serving: Serve the rolls with sour cream and warm polenta on the side. A fresh summer salad will add a pleasant contrast.

Nutritional Benefits

Cabbage rolls made with chicken are an excellent source of protein, being lighter than those made with pork. Rice and vegetables provide essential fiber and vitamins, contributing to a balanced diet. A serving of rolls can contain approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the serving size.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh cabbage?
Yes, but you will need to blanch it before use to make it more pliable.

2. What else can I add to the filling?
You can experiment with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to add different flavors.

3. How can I make the rolls spicier?
Add ground chili pepper or chili flakes to the filling mixture.

4. Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes, the rolls freeze very well. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing in airtight containers.

Conclusion

Light cabbage rolls with chicken are an excellent choice for a comforting and healthy meal. Cooked with love and patience, they will bring joy to the hearts of your loved ones and to festive tables. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by its aromas! I would love to hear how they turned out, so feel free to share your culinary experience!