Sarmale – Romanian Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Hey, Welcome to the Romanian Cabbage Rolls Recipe. Romanian Cabbage Rolls are a cozy meal prepared with cabbage leaves stuffed with a tasty combination of ground meat, rice, and spices, then simmered in tomato sauce.

If you’ve ever had them at a traditional Eastern European dinner, you already know how hearty and satisfying they are.

I wanted to recreate that at home, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this flavorful recipe right in your kitchen.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Romanian
Category: Main Course

History and Origin

Romanian Cabbage Rolls, known as Sarmale, are a national treasure in Romania. This recipe traces back centuries and is usually served during holidays or family gatherings.

Influenced by Turkish and Slavic cuisine, sarmale represent a mix of history, tradition, and comfort in every bite. Each family may have its variation. By the way, you can also try the House of Prime Rib Salad Recipe.

Sarmale Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Romanian Cabbage Rolls Recipe:

Equipment Needed

Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Homemade Romanian Cabbage Rolls Recipe:

• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven-safe Dutch oven or deep baking dish
• Spoon or spatula

How to Make Romanian Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

Boil the whole cabbage head in a large pot until the leaves become soft and pliable. Carefully separate the leaves and trim the thick stems from each one.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix ground pork, ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, dill, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Spoon roughly 2 tablespoons of filling onto each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over and roll tightly, like a burrito.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan, heat vegetable oil. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir and cook for a few minutes, then add water or broth and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Layer and Cook

In a Dutch oven or baking dish, layer some chopped cabbage remnants on the bottom. Layer the rolls tightly, then pour the tomato sauce over them. Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 2 hours.

Recipe Card

Sarmale – Romanian Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Welcome to the Romanian Cabbage Rolls Recipe. Romanian Cabbage Rolls are a cozy meal prepared with cabbage leaves stuffed with a tasty combination of ground meat, rice, and spices, then simmered in tomato sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Romanian

Calories: 360

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 large green cabbage head
• 1 pound ground pork
• ½ pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups water or broth

Equipment

• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven-safe Dutch oven or deep baking dish
• Spoon or spatula

Method

 

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

1. Boil the whole cabbage head in a large pot until the leaves become soft and pliable. Carefully separate the leaves and trim the thick stems from each one.
   

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a bowl, mix ground pork, ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, dill, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
   

Step 3: Fill and Roll

1. Spoon roughly 2 tablespoons of filling onto each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over and roll tightly, like a burrito.
   

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat vegetable oil. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir and cook for a few minutes, then add water or broth and simmer for 5 minutes.
   

Step 5: Layer and Cook

1. In a Dutch oven or baking dish, layer some chopped cabbage remnants on the bottom. Layer the rolls tightly, then pour the tomato sauce over them. Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 2 hours.
   

Notes

Let the cabbage rolls cool completely before storing. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge for a maximum of 4 days.

Nutritional Information

Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Sarmale Recipe:

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these Traditional Romanian cabbage rolls recipe warm, accompanied by a scoop of sour cream and a side of rustic bread or mashed potatoes.

They also go great with pickled vegetables or a cucumber salad to balance the richness. You can serve them as a main course for a cozy family dinner or a festive occasion.

Storage Tips

Let the cabbage rolls cool completely before storing. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge for a maximum of 4 days.

You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Warm them up in the oven or microwave, adding a little broth to maintain their moisture.

Conclusion

Romanian Cabbage Rolls recipe is the perfect blend of comfort, tradition, and taste. I hope this recipe brings the warmth of Romanian kitchens to yours. Try it out and let your family enjoy a dish that’s been cherished for generations.

With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!

Happy Cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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