Sarmale

Romania

About Sarmale

Sarmale are Romanian cabbage rolls, made by wrapping a filling of minced pork, rice and onions in sour, pickled cabbage leaves and slowly cooking them in a tomato sauce with smoked meat.

The rolls are packed tightly in a pot, layered with chopped cabbage and smoked pork or bacon, and cooked for hours until very tender. Dill and thyme are often added for flavor.

Sarmale are considered Romania's national dish and are served at Christmas, weddings and other celebrations. They are always eaten with sour cream and mămăligă, a polenta made from cornmeal.

Ingredients

• cabbage
• pork
• rice
• onion
• tomato