How to Make Authentic Romanian Sarmale Recipe (Cabbage Rolls)
Romanian sarmale are cabbage rolls stuffed with a savory mix of ground meat, rice, herbs, and spices, slowly simmered in a tomato-based sauce.
A comforting dish typically served at holidays, weddings, and Sunday family meals.
You’ll find it in the Romanian restaurants featured in the top restaurants in town, it doesn’t matter where you are in Romania. Enjoy with a dollop of sour cream, crusty bread, or creamy polenta.
Enjoy with a dollop of sour cream, crusty bread, or creamy polenta.
Romanian Sarmale Recipe (Cabbage Rolls)
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling cabbage and cooking sarmale
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Baking dish or Dutch oven for oven method
- Plate or bowl to press down rolls while cooking, optional
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of pickled cabbage or fresh cabbage, blanched
- 1.5 lbs ground pork or half pork, half beef
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 tbsp sunflower oil or any neutral oil
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tbsp dried thyme
For the Sauce and Assembly:
- 1 cup tomato paste or crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1-2 smoked ribs or a piece of smoked bacon optional, for extra flavor
- 1 bay leaf
- Extra chopped cabbage from trimmed pieces for layering
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: If using pickled cabbage, rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Separate leaves and cut out thick stems. If using fresh cabbage, core and boil for 10-15 minutes until soft, then separate leaves.Sauté Onion: In a small pan, heat oil over medium heat. Cook chopped onion until soft and golden. Let cool slightly.
- Make Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, rice, sautéed onion, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, dill, parsley, and thyme. Mix well by hand or with a spoon until fully combined.Fill and Roll: Place a tablespoon of filling on a cabbage leaf. Fold in sides and roll tightly. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
- Layer the Pot: In a large pot or Dutch oven, layer some chopped cabbage on the bottom. Add smoked meat if using. Arrange sarmale snugly in layers. Add bay leaf and more chopped cabbage between layers if desired.Add Sauce: Mix tomato paste with water or broth and pour over the rolls. Liquid should nearly cover them. Place a plate or small lid over the rolls to keep them from floating.
- Cook: Cover pot with a lid and simmer gently on low heat for about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, bake covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for the same time.Serve: Let rest 15–20 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with sour cream and optional hot pepper or bread.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips
- Pickled cabbage gives authentic flavor, but blanching fresh cabbage works too.
- Add a touch of smoked paprika or use smoked meats to enhance depth.
- If rolls seem too loose, add a spoon of breadcrumbs to the filling.
- Best cooked low and slow, avoid high heat to prevent burning or breaking.
- Tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
Serving Ideas
Sarmale works wonderfully with a range of accompaniments that elevate the dish while keeping its traditional roots intact.
Creamy polenta (mămăligă) remains a beloved side dish, its smooth texture and subtle flavor balance the richness of the cabbage rolls, and it’s perfect for scooping up the savory tomato sauce.
Adding a generous spoonful of sour cream on top of each roll introduces a cooling, slightly tangy layer that contrasts beautifully with the warmth and spice of the filling.
For casual meals or family dinners, crusty bread is often the go-to. Its firm texture makes it ideal for soaking up sauce and wiping the plate clean.
- Shredded cabbage salad dressed with vinegar and oil
- Pickled cucumbers, peppers, or green tomatoes
- Fresh tomato and onion salad with a touch of dill
During festive occasions, sarmale often shares the table with more robust sides.
Roasted meats like pork knuckle or sausages are common, as are simple boiled potatoes drizzled with butter or parsley.
Some families even include deviled or stuffed eggs for extra variety and color on the holiday table.
Are There Alternative Ingredients?
Several substitutions can be made without losing the heart of what makes sarmale so comforting and satisfying.
Adjustments can suit different dietary needs, ingredients on hand, or personal preferences, all while preserving the essence of the dish.
Lean Protein Options
For a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken can take the place of traditional pork. These meats reduce the overall fat content and result in a milder flavor.
While the rolls may be slightly less rich, seasoning the filling well with herbs and spices can bring back balance.
A small addition of olive oil to the mixture helps maintain a juicy texture.
Vegetarian and Vegan Variations
Those looking to skip meat entirely have several options that still hold their shape and absorb flavor beautifully during slow cooking.
- Finely chopped mushrooms mixed with cooked rice for a deep, earthy taste
- Cooked green or brown lentils combined with sautéed onions and garlic
- Grated carrots and zucchini seasoned with fresh dill and parsley
Adding toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds gives the filling extra texture and protein. A spoonful of tomato paste or miso in the mixture boosts umami without using animal products.
Alternative Wrapping Leaves
Cabbage is the standard wrapper, but not the only one. Pickled cabbage provides signature tanginess, yet it may be too salty or hard to find in some areas.
Read more: Pickled cabbage with jalapenos, for those that want to experiment more with spicy cabbage recepies!
In such cases, fresh cabbage leaves boiled until soft work well, offering a more neutral base.
- Swiss chard leaves, which are tender and flexible
- Savoy cabbage, known for its crinkled, pliable texture
- Both alternatives roll easily and don’t require long cooking times to soften.
Sauce Substitutions
The tomato-based sauce can be adapted based on pantry staples.
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Tomato passata
- Tomato juice, reduced slightly for thickness
A splash of lemon juice or vinegar may help mimic the slight acidity of pickled cabbage if fresh leaves are used.
Flavor Boosters Without Smoked Meat
Smoked meats like ribs or bacon are traditionally added for depth. These can be left out, especially for vegetarian or lighter preparations.
- Smoked paprika
- Liquid smoke in small quantities
- Roasted eggplant or smoked salt in the filling
Such swaps bring balance and complexity while keeping the dish suitable for more diets or preferences.
Summary
Sarmale brings together comforting flavors, slow-cooked tenderness, and tradition in every bite.
The versatility of ingredients makes it easy to adapt the dish to suit different preferences, while still honoring its roots.
Homemade sarmale is worth the time and care it takes to prepare.
Read more: For a vegan recipe with cabbage, I suggest you try out the asian red salad with roasted peanuts, a must-try, tasty, and healthy!
