Stuffed cabbage rolls

Sarmale with Sour Cabbage - A Classic and Comforting Recipe

Sarmale with sour cabbage are a true delicacy of traditional cuisine, a dish that not only evokes family meals but also special moments spent with loved ones. This simple yet flavorful recipe is ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday, a Sunday meal, or a gathering with friends.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

- Approximately 1 kg of pork (or a mix of pork and beef for a richer flavor)
- 2 sour cabbages (choose cabbages with tender but firm leaves)
- 1 cup of rice (preferably long-grain rice that absorbs flavors well)
- 4-5 tablespoons of tomato paste (or tomato sauce, according to preference)
- 2 large onions (finely chopped for a deeper taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons of Delikat (or another preferred seasoning, but be careful with salt)
- Oil (for sautéing the onion)
- 2-3 bay leaves (for flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a few slices of ham or bacon for extra flavor

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Start by washing the sour cabbages well. If the cabbage leaves are too salty or sour, you can rinse them in cold water. Then, remove the core from the middle to get leaves that are easier to roll. If you have a very large cabbage, you can cut the leaves in half.

Finely chop the onions and place them in a pan with a little oil to sauté. Let them become translucent, but do not let them brown too much, as we want a delicate taste.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

Add the rice over the sautéed onion and let it cook for a few more minutes, stirring constantly. This step helps the rice absorb the flavors from the onion, making the filling more savory. Once the rice is lightly sautéed, add a cup of water and let it boil until almost completely absorbed, then remove from heat and let it cool.

In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the onion and rice mixture, add the tomato paste and season with Delikat, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Wrapping the Sarmale

Take a cabbage leaf and place a generous tablespoon of filling at the base of the leaf. Wrap the sarmale by rolling the cabbage leaf over the filling, then tuck the side edges inward to seal the filling. Continue this process until the filling is finished.

At the bottom of the pot, place a few chopped cabbage leaves and, optionally, a few slices of ham or bacon for added flavor. Arrange the sarmale side by side, making sure they do not overlap too much, to allow heat to reach all sarmale.

Step 4: Cooking the Sarmale

After you finish placing the sarmale, add 2-3 bay leaves between the layers and cover with a final layer of cabbage. Pour water over the sarmale, then cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer on low heat, checking occasionally to ensure they have enough liquid. Cooking takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Serving

Sarmale are served hot, plain or with sour cream for an even creamier taste. You can also add a splash of hot pepper or fresh dill for extra flavor. They are excellent the next day when the flavors have had time to develop.

Practical Tips

- Meat version: You can experiment with different types of meat: beef, chicken, or even a mix of pork and turkey for a lighter dish.
- Tomato sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add 1-2 cups of tomato sauce to the water for a richer taste.
- Regional variations: In some regions, sarmale are cooked with whole grain rice or with vegetables added to the filling, offering a healthier version.
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: A serving of sarmale contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. They are rich in protein due to the meat and contain fiber from cabbage and rice, making for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use fresh cabbage? Although sour cabbage is traditional, you can use fresh cabbage, but you will need to blanch it first to make it pliable.
- What can I do if I don’t have enough time? You can prepare the sarmale in advance and freeze them. They thaw and reheat very well.
- How can I make them vegetarian? You can replace the meat with chopped mushrooms, vegetables, or even quinoa and other grains.

Sarmale with sour cabbage are more than just a dish; they are a culinary experience that brings you closer to traditions and loved ones. I invite you to enjoy every step of the cooking process and create delicious memories around the table!