Romanian Stuffed Cabbage (Sarmale) Recipe

Serves: 4 Save

Ingredients (22)

  • 1 whole head cabbage, about 4 pounds
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons raw rice
  • 6 tablespoons hot water, divided
  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground pork
  • 1 slice white bread, crusts removed
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, optional
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup sauerkraut juice (reserved from drained sauerkraut)
  • 1 tablespoon Vegeta
  • 10 black peppercorns
  • 4 medium bay leaves
  • 3 cups sauerkraut, drained, rinsed, and squeezed dry (reserve 1 cup juice for cooking liquid)
  • 6 strips bacon
  • 6 sprigs fresh dill
  • 2 pounds fresh or canned tomatoes, sliced

Directions

Learn how to make this recipe at The Spruce Eats

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