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Bucharest (Romania)
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Main course
Meat
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
470kcal
25gProtein
45gCarbs
20gFat
5gFibre
350 gServing
* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.
Sarmale
How to order / say it
Say it
Sarmale — [sar-MAH-leh]
Order
One plate of Sarmale, please.
Locally
O porție de sarmale, vă rog.
Say locally
Cabbage rolls filled with pork and rice.
Why try it?
Sarmale is a cherished traditional Romanian dish often enjoyed during family gatherings and festive celebrations in Bucharest. Its rich flavors and comforting presence make it a staple that connects people to their roots and cultural heritage.
How it tastes
The dish offers a harmonious blend of savory and slightly tangy flavors, with tender, spiced meat wrapped in softened cabbage leaves. The aroma of cooked cabbage complements the mixture of herbs and spices, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.
Origin & History
Sarmale has its origins in the Ottoman Empire and became a popular dish in Romania during the 15th century. Over the centuries, it has been embraced as a national dish and has been adapted to include a variety of regional ingredients. In Bucharest, it reflects the city's diverse cultural influences and culinary traditions.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🥕 12 leaves cabbage leaves
- 🥩 250 g minced pork
- 🌾 100 g white rice
- 🧄 1, chopped onion
- 🌿 1 tbsp, chopped dill
- 🥣 200 g tomato paste
- 🧂 1 tsp paprika
- 🧂 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 🫒 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 🌿 1 bay leaf
Method
- 1 Prepare the cabbage leaves by boiling them until soft.
- 2 Mix minced pork, rice, onions, herbs, and spices in a bowl.
- 3 Place a portion of the mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll them tightly.
- 4 Layer the rolls in a pot, cover with tomato sauce, and simmer for a couple hours.
- 5 Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream and crusty bread.
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