π·π΄ Sarmale is the national dish of Romania, a comforting and flavorful dish made of minced meat, rice, and smoked pork wrapped in pickled cabbage leaves and slow-cooked for hours. This traditional recipe has been passed down through generations and is a must-have for holidays like Christmas and Easter. Serve them hot with sour cream and polenta for an authentic Romanian experience! π²π₯
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 500 g minced pork π
- 300 g minced beef π₯©
- 200 g smoked pork ribs or smoked meat π₯
- 200 g rice π
- 1 large onion, finely chopped π§
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped πΆοΈ
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 15 peppercorns
- 2-3 bay leaves π
- 100 ml tomato sauce π
- 30 ml sunflower oil π»
For the Wrapping:
- 2 kg pickled cabbage leaves π₯¬ (whole leaves, not pre-chopped)
- 2-3 whole cabbage leaves (to cover the top)
Instructions
Prepare the Rice
- Wash the rice with cold water and mix it with one tablespoon of coarse salt.
- Rinse two more times without salt and leave it in cold water until needed.
Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
- Carefully separate the pickled cabbage leaves.
- If leaves are too thick, cut out the thick ribs for easier rolling.
Make the Filling
- In a bowl, mix minced pork and beef.
- Add chopped onion, red pepper, turmeric, caraway seeds, thyme, and 100 ml of water.
- Stir in rice, mixing everything well. No need to add salt since the pickled cabbage is already salty.
Roll the Sarmale
- Place one tablespoon of filling in the center of a cabbage leaf.
- Roll tightly and tuck in the edges to seal the roll.
- Repeat until all the meat mixture is used.
Assemble the Pot
- Heat sunflower oil at the bottom of a large pot.
- Add half of the chopped cabbage and red pepper.
- Pour half of the tomato sauce over them.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls tightly in layers.
- Place chunks of smoked pork ribs between the rolls.
- Sprinkle peppercorns and bay leaves over the rolls.
- Add the remaining chopped cabbage and tomato sauce.
- Cover with 2-3 whole cabbage leaves.
- Pour in boiling water until the rolls are fully covered.
- Place a heatproof plate on top to prevent the rolls from floating.
Cook the Sarmale
- Bring the pot to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce to low heat and let simmer for 2-3 hours.
- Add more hot water if needed during cooking.
Notes
π‘ Pro Tips for Perfect Sarmale:βοΈ Use whole pickled cabbage leaves, not pre-chopped ones. Romanian or Turkish stores often sell the best options.
βοΈ Smoked meat is essential! It adds a deep, rich flavor. If you canβt find smoked ribs, use smoked bacon.
βοΈ Sarmale tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make them in advance and reheat for a richer flavor.
βοΈ Serve with sour cream and polenta (mΔmΔligΔ) for an authentic experience.
Why Youβll Love This Sarmale Recipe β€οΈ
Growing up in Romania, I always associated sarmale with family and celebration. My mother would prepare a huge pot, filling our home with the comforting aroma of slow-cooked cabbage, smoked meat, and flavorful spices. Over the years, Iβve learned that every Romanian family has its own version of sarmale β some prefer tomato sauce, others donβt use it at all; some wrap them in vine leaves in summer, while others swear by pickled cabbage all year round. π What makes Romanian Sarmale unique? Unlike other cabbage rolls, we use pickled cabbage for a distinctive, tangy taste and always include some type of smoked meat for extra depth of flavor. My mom's special touch? A pinch of turmeric and red pepper, which take the dish to the next level! β¨π½οΈ How to Serve Romanian Sarmale
The best way to enjoy sarmale is hot, with a generous dollop of sour cream and a side of polenta (mΔmΔligΔ). You can also serve them with fresh bread, pickled vegetables, or spicy chili peppers for an authentic Romanian experience. πΆοΈπ₯π Variations & Substitutions
Want to put your own spin on sarmale? Try these variations: β Use smoked bacon or another type of smoked meat instead of pork ribs. β Skip turmeric and red pepper if you prefer a more traditional taste. β Swap pickled cabbage for vine leaves in summer for a fresh twist. β Make it vegetarian by replacing meat with mushrooms and nuts!π₯ Final Thoughts
This authentic Romanian sarmale recipe is a true comfort food, bringing people together for generations. Whether youβre making them for the first time or looking to perfect your technique, follow these steps, and youβll have a pot of mouthwatering, tender cabbage rolls to enjoy with family and friends. π₯° Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments! Happy cooking! π©βπ³π·π΄β¨ More Romanian recipes