Stuffed cabbage rolls with beef

Sarmale made from pickled cabbage with beef - Traditional recipe, full of flavor and nostalgia

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Pickled cabbage sarmale are an iconic dish, often associated with holidays and family gatherings. This recipe is not just a delicious meal, but also an emotional connection to traditions and childhood memories. Whether we prepare them for a festive meal or simply to indulge ourselves, sarmale always bring a smile to our faces.

Ingredients

- 1 head of pickled cabbage (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 500 grams of ground beef
- 1 cup of rice (50 grams, scalded with hot water and well washed)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- A handful of fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons of sarmale seasoning (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- Salt to taste
- 3-4 ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1-2 tablespoons of dried thyme
- 1 cube of Maggi (or another seasoning)
- Water, enough to cover the sarmale

Step-by-step preparation

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Start by preparing the pickled cabbage. Cut the core of the head and separate the leaves. You can cut the larger leaves in half for easier filling. Make sure the cabbage is well pickled but not overly salty. If it is too salty, rinse the leaves under cold running water.

Step 2: Prepare the filling

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, scalded and washed rice, finely chopped onion, parsley, and seasonings. Add the sweet paprika and salt to taste. Mix the composition well with your hands, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Fill the cabbage leaves

Take a cabbage leaf and place a tablespoon of the meat filling at the bottom of the leaf. Roll the leaf tightly, folding the edges inward to seal the filling. Continue with the remaining leaves and filling until you finish the ingredients.

Step 4: Prepare the sarmale for cooking

In a large pressure cooker, place some cabbage leaves on the bottom. Sprinkle a little thyme and arrange a layer of sliced tomatoes. Then, carefully place the sarmale, arranging them neatly. On top, add more cabbage leaves and tomatoes.

Step 5: Cook the sarmale

Add water until the sarmale are covered by 2-3 cm of liquid. Add the Maggi cube and, if desired, you can also add some salt. Close the pot and, when it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 45 minutes. If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can use a regular pot, but the cooking time will be longer.

Serving

Sarmale are served hot, alongside steaming polenta and sour cream. These are traditional side dishes that perfectly complement the rich flavor of the sarmale. Enjoy your meal!

Practical tips

1. Pickled cabbage: If you don’t have access to pickled cabbage, you can use fresh cabbage, which you can ferment at home with salt and water, left at room temperature for a few days.
2. Meat: You can combine beef with pork for a richer flavor. You can also use turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
3. Variations: Add a few peppercorns to the mixture for an extra flavor boost. You can also include some green or black olives for a Mediterranean touch.
4. Tomato sauce: If you like sauce, you can prepare a tomato sauce from fresh tomatoes or tomato paste to pour over the sarmale when serving.

Nutritional benefits

Sarmale are an excellent source of protein due to the beef, while the rice provides a good dose of carbohydrates. Pickled cabbage is rich in probiotics, promoting digestive health. Additionally, this recipe is low in calories, with approximately 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil used and the sides.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can sarmale be frozen? Yes, sarmale freeze very well. Make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in airtight containers.
2. Can I use brown rice? Yes, brown rice is a healthier option, but the cooking time may be longer.
3. How can I enhance the flavor of the sarmale? Adding smoked meats or a few pieces of smoked bacon to the pot will intensify the flavor.

Conclusion

Preparing sarmale from pickled cabbage with beef is a fulfilling activity that brings the family together around the table. Each bite transports us to a world full of traditions and cherished memories. Experiment with this recipe and add it to your culinary repertoire, as there is nothing more comforting than a plate of warm sarmale served with love. Enjoy your meal!