Stuffed cabbage rolls with beef

Beef Sarmale: a traditional recipe full of flavor

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Sarmale are a culinary symbol of family gatherings and celebrations, with a long history in our gastronomy. These small "packages" are filled with meat, rice, and spices, wrapped in pickled cabbage leaves, which give them an unmistakable taste. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to bring a touch of tradition into your daily life, the beef sarmale recipe is one you must try.

Necessary ingredients:

- 700 g minced beef
- 200 g rice
- 1 egg
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 heads of pickled cabbage
- iodized salt, to taste
- freshly ground pepper, to taste
- sweet paprika, to taste
- whole peppercorns, for flavor
- bay leaves, for flavor
- dried thyme, to taste
- dried dill, to taste
- a few pieces of bacon or smoked ribs
- omega 3 oil, for cooking

Step by step:

1. Preparing the onion and rice: Start by peeling the onion and chopping it finely. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little oil and a tablespoon of water. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. This step is essential as it will give a sweet and aromatic flavor to your sarmale.

2. Adding the rice: Once the onion is sautéed, add the washed and well-selected rice. Pour in a cup of water and let it simmer on low heat until the rice is half swollen. This step helps ensure that the rice will not be overcooked in the sarmale but will have a perfect texture.

3. Preparing the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the minced beef with the egg, the onion and rice mixture, and mix well. Make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, to taste. This mixture will be the filling base for the sarmale.

4. Preparing the cabbage: Separate the heads of pickled cabbage and choose whole, beautiful leaves. If the leaves are too salty, you can rinse them lightly under a stream of cold water. This will make them more pleasant to taste.

5. Forming the sarmale: On each cabbage leaf, add a tablespoon of filling and roll tightly, starting from one side. Make sure to close them well to prevent the filling from leaking out during boiling. Place the formed sarmale in a large pot, starting from the center and continuing in a circle, leaving the middle free.

6. Cooking the sarmale: Between layers of sarmale, add peppercorns, bay leaves, dill, and dried thyme to enhance the flavors. In the center of the pot, place a few pieces of bacon or smoked ribs, which will add a delicious taste. Cover the sarmale with chopped cabbage and sprinkle sweet paprika, thyme, dill, and a little omega 3 oil on top.

7. Boiling: Add enough water to cover the sarmale, then put the lid on the pot and simmer on low heat for about 2 hours. This long cooking time allows the flavors to combine perfectly, and the sarmale to become extremely tender.

8. Serving: Once the sarmale are ready, serve them hot, alongside sour cream and fresh homemade bread. These combine perfectly, bringing a touch of comfort and tradition to any meal.

Serving suggestions: You can also add a beet salad or pickles to complete the meal.

Vegetarian option: If you want a meatless option, you can replace the meat with chopped mushrooms or various vegetables mixed with rice and spices.

Nutritional benefits: Sarmale are an excellent source of protein due to the beef, while the rice and cabbage provide fiber and essential nutrients. This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for family meals.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh cabbage instead of pickled cabbage? Pickled cabbage is ideal for giving a distinct taste to the sarmale, but if you prefer, you can use fresh cabbage, which you can blanch before using.
- How long can I keep sarmale in the fridge? They keep excellently in the fridge for 3-4 days, and the taste gets even better after a day.
- Can I freeze sarmale? Yes, you can freeze sarmale before boiling them. Make sure they are well packaged in airtight containers.

In conclusion, beef sarmale are not only a delicious dish but also a way to bring family and friends together around the table. With a simple recipe full of flavors and tradition, you will impress anyone, turning every meal into a celebration! Don't forget to enjoy the cooking process and add a personal touch to your recipe, perhaps with a secret ingredient or an unusual serving technique. Enjoy your meal!