vegan stuffed cabbage rolls

Sarmale de Post: A Flavorful Delicacy

Total preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6

I invite you to discover a recipe for Lenten sarmale, a delicious and comforting choice, perfect for fast days or a vegetarian meal. These full-flavored sarmals, filled with a savory combination of vegetables and mushrooms, are a real feast for the taste buds.

The history of sarmals is fascinating, a traditional dish found in many cultures. Whether stuffed with meat or vegetables, sarmals always bring a sense of warmth and conviviality. This Lenten sarmale recipe is simple but full of personality and can be customized to your preferences.

Ingredients
- 2 pickled cabbages
- 150 g ground walnuts
- 150 g rice
- 150 g mashed potatoes (or mashed)
- 150 g mushrooms (you can use fresh or preserved)
- 1 sausage seasoning (or your favorite spice mix)
- Pepper to taste
- 2 large onions
- 150 ml oil (preferably olive oil for more intense flavor)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 200 ml tomato broth
- Bay leaves
- A little salt
- 1 large carrot

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
Clean the onions and carrot. Grate the onion and carrot on the small grater. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add grated onion and carrot, sautéing until golden and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This will bring a sweet flavor and delicious aroma to your sarmalas.

Step 2: Adding the mushrooms
When the onion and carrot are ready, add the finely chopped mushrooms. Cook the mixture for another 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms brown slightly and release their juices. They will add a nice texture and rich flavor to the stuffing.

Step 3: Preparing the rice
Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, bring the rice to a simmer, adding water gradually until it's half cooked. When the rice is almost cooked, add the mashed potatoes and simmer until thickened. This will add a creamy consistency to the stuffing.

Step 4: Mixing the ingredients
Once the rice mixture has cooled slightly, mix it with the roasted vegetables, ground walnuts, sausage seasoning, pepper and flour. Mix well until smooth and flavorful. This is the perfect time to taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning to your preferences.

Step 5: Form the sausages
Unpeel the pickled cabbage and cut into leaves suitable for folding. Take a cabbage leaf and place a tablespoon of the prepared stuffing on it. Fold the edges of the leaf and roll it up, forming a sarmale. Continue until you have finished all the filling.

Step 6: Arranging the sarmals
In a large saucepan, sprinkle a layer of finely chopped pickled cabbage on the bottom. Arrange the sarmals in layers, adding stock between each layer, along with pepper and bay leaves. Place two whole cabbage leaves on top to keep the sarmals moist.

Step 7: Cooking the sausages
Fill the saucepan with water until the sarmals are covered. Put the lid on and simmer for about an hour. The longer you cook them, the better the flavors will combine, bringing a delicious taste.

Step 8: Serving
Once the sarmals are ready, let them cool slightly before serving. These fasting sarmales go perfectly with a slice of fresh bread and a pickle salad. You can add a dollop of vegetable sour cream for extra flavor.

Practical Tips
- If you like a spicy touch, you can add a finely chopped chili pepper to the vegetable mixture.
- You can substitute mushrooms with other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to add a variety of textures and flavors.
- Make sure the sprouts are well pickled for a more intense flavor. If they are too salty, you can rinse the leaves before use.

Nutritional Benefits
Lenten sausages are not only delicious, they're also healthy. They provide a good source of fiber thanks to the vegetables and rice, and the nuts provide omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the body's vitality. They are an excellent choice for those who want to eat more plant-based foods.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I freeze the sarm?
Yes, you can freeze your fasting sarmals. Be sure to let them cool completely before putting them in freezer bags.
- Can I use fresh cabbage instead of pickled cabbage?
Although the traditional recipe uses pickled kale to add a distinct flavor, you can use fresh kale, but you'll need to steam it beforehand for easier shaping.

Combination recipes
These fasting sarmales go perfectly with a vegetable soup, beetroot salad or coleslaw. You can also accompany your meal with a glass of tomato juice or a dry white wine for the ultimate dining experience.

I hope that this recipe will inspire you to prepare delicious sarmale and enjoy flavorful and warm moments with your loved ones. Enjoy!