Romanian Cuisine: SARMALE - CABBAGE ROLLS /TRADITIONAL ROMANIAN FOOD!

ground pork

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground beef is often more affordable.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Greek yogurt offers a healthier option with similar creaminess.

smoked bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: pork belly

Turkey bacon is lower in fat, while pork belly is often less expensive.

tomato paste

🥗Healthier: crushed tomatoes

💰Cheaper: ketchup

Crushed tomatoes provide a fresh taste, while ketchup is a budget-friendly alternative.

Prepare the cabbage by removing the core and blanching the leaves in boiling water until pliable, about 2-3 minutes.

In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat and sauté chopped onion and grated carrot until softened, about 5 minutes.

In a bowl, combine ground pork, cooked rice, sautéed onion and carrot, chopped dill, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Mix the filling until well combined.

Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of filling at the base, folding in the sides and rolling tightly.

Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

Line the bottom of a large pot with leftover cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.

Place the rolled sarmale in the pot, layering them if necessary.

Add bay leaves and cover with water, ensuring the sarmale are submerged.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until cooked through.

Once cooked, carefully remove the sarmale and serve with sour cream on top.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: