Stuffed cabbage rolls

Sarmale with Sour Cabbage - Classic, Flavorful, and Irresistible Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2-3 hours (depending on the oven)
Total time: 3-3.5 hours
Number of servings: 6-8

Who doesn't love the aroma of sarma cooked with love and patience? This traditional dish brings together a perfect combination of meat, rice, and spices, all wrapped in sour cabbage leaves. Sarmale are more than just a simple dish; they represent a connection to tradition and family, often prepared for holidays or family gatherings. But why wait for a special occasion to enjoy these delicacies? Today, I will show you how to prepare delicious sarmale step by step, to delight your taste buds any day.

Ingredients needed:

- 1 kg minced meat mix (beef and pork, but you can also use other preferred combinations)
- 2 kg sour cabbage with thin leaves
- 1 cup of rice
- 1 large onion
- 1-2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 1-2 tablespoons dried dill
- 400 ml tomato juice (or more, to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water (as needed)

Step 1: Preparing the filling

Start by finely chopping the onion. This will add a delicious flavor to the sarmale. In a large bowl, mix the minced meat with the onion, well-washed and drained rice, salt, pepper, thyme, and dill. It is essential to homogenize the mixture well for the flavors to combine perfectly. After mixing everything, let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the spices to reveal their aroma.

Step 2: Preparing the cabbage leaves

Carefully separate the sour cabbage leaves, one by one, and cut off the stems. If the leaves are too salty or too sour, it is recommended to rinse them quickly under cold water. Adjust the size of the leaves so that they are suitable for wrapping. If you have fresh cabbage, you can also use it, but remember to boil it a little to make it more pliable.

Step 3: Wrapping the sarmale

Using a spoon, take some of the meat filling and place it on each cabbage leaf. Wrap well, making sure to seal the edges. Place the sarmale in a pot, on a bed of finely chopped cabbage. This will not only add flavor but also protect the sarmale from burning.

Step 4: Cooking the sarmale

After placing all the sarmale, sprinkle thyme and dill on top, then add another layer of chopped cabbage. Cover everything with water (enough to be well covered) and place the pot in the preheated oven at 160-180 degrees Celsius. Let the sarmale simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours. It is important to occasionally check the water level and, if necessary, add a little more water.

Step 5: Finalizing the dish

When the sarmale are almost ready, add the tomato juice, stirring gently to avoid breaking their shape, and let them bake for another 30 minutes. The tomato juice will add a note of acidity and intensify the flavors.

Serving and useful tips

Sarmale are delicious served with warm polenta and hot peppers or with sour cream. They become even more flavorful the next day, as the flavors have had time to blend.

Variations and combinations

For a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with chopped mushrooms and more vegetables. You can also add bacon for a smoky flavor or even a few slices of smoked meat in the pot to intensify the aroma.

Nutritional benefits

Sarmale are an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals due to the combination of meat, rice, and cabbage. Cabbage is rich in fiber, which aids digestion, and the spices add not only flavor but also antioxidant benefits.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use fresh cabbage instead of sour cabbage?
Yes, but you need to boil it a little to make it more pliable.

2. How long can I keep sarmale in the fridge?
Sarmale can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days, and for a longer duration, you can freeze them.

3. What other side dishes go well with sarmale?
Polenta is the most popular, but you can also serve it with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.

In conclusion, sarmale are a versatile and flavorful dish, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. Cooking them can be a pleasant family activity, and the aroma that spreads through the house will remind you of precious culinary traditions. So, don't hesitate to start cooking and bring a little of the magic of sarmale into your everyday life. Enjoy your meal!