Hello everyone!
What better way to practice some Romanian if not through the local cuisine? Today we will indulge in learning about how to create Romania's most beloved dish: cabbage rolls with minced meat (sarmale).
Source: Unsplash
Originating in Eastern Europe, particularly in Romania, sarmale are often served around traditional holidays such as Christmas or Easter. People also serve them at weddings, together with polenta (mamaliga) and some type of meat, often pork.
Here is the traditional recipe in English, and down below you will also find it in Romanian!
EN
Cabbage rolls are typically prepared using pickled cabbage leaves, which are carefully separated and then stuffed with a flavorful mixture of minced pork, rice, onions, and spices such as including paprika and thyme. Alternatively, some people use grape leaves. The rolls are then neatly arranged in a large pot, where they are slow-cooked in tomato sauce. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious dish served with polenta and sour cream!
RO
Sarmalele sunt în mod obișnuit pregătite folosind frunze de varză murată, care sunt cu grijă separate și apoi umplute cu un amestec savuros de carne tocată de porc, orez, ceapă și mirodenii precum boia și cimbru. În mod alternativ, unele persoane folosesc frunze de viță de vie. Sarmalele sunt apoi aranjate cu grijă într-un vas mare, unde sunt gătite la foc mic în sos de roșii. Acest proces de fierbere încet permite aromelor să se amestece, rezultând un fel de mâncare delicios, servit apoi cu mămăligă și smântână!
What's a dish typical of your country? I'd love to hear it in the comments below!
Roxana, OLS Community Manager - Romanian