Sarmale, a beloved Romanian dish, features cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, ground meat, and vegetables, slowly cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This dish traces its roots back to ancient times, with variations found across Eastern Europe and the Balkans. It's a culinary tradition often associated with festive occasions and family gatherings, showcasing the region's rich culinary heritage and the art of slow cooking.

Ingredients:

- 1 large head of cabbage

- 1 cup rice

- 500g ground pork or beef

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 carrots, grated

- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

- Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Method:

- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, then blanch them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until soft. Remove and set aside to cool.

- In a separate pan, cook the rice according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside.

- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked rice, ground meat, onion, carrots, bell pepper, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

- Take one cabbage leaf at a time and place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center. Roll it up, tucking in the sides as you go, to form a tight parcel. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.

- Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in a large pot. Pour the broth over the rolls, ensuring they are mostly covered.

- Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 1-1.5 hours, or until the cabbage rolls are cooked through and tender.

- Serve the sarmale hot, with a dollop of sour cream on top if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Value:

Cabbage:

  - Calories: Approximately 44 calories per 1 cup (89g) shredded

  - Carbohydrates: 10.6g

  - Protein: 1.9g

  - Fat: 0.1g

  - Sodium: 18mg

  - Fiber: 2.2g

  - Vitamins: High in vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin B6

  - Minerals: Contains calcium, potassium, and manganese

benefits: Cabbage is low in calories and high in fiber, making it great for digestion and weight management. It's also packed with antioxidants and vitamins that support immune function and overall health.

Rice:

  - Calories: Approximately 205 calories per 1 cup (195g) cooked rice

  - Carbohydrates: 44.5g

  - Protein: 4.3g

  - Fat: 0.4g

  - Sodium: 2mg

  - Fiber: 0.6g

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins

  - Minerals: Provides small amounts of iron and magnesium

benefits: Rice is a staple food providing energy from carbohydrates and some essential nutrients like protein and minerals. It's gluten-free and easy to digest.

3. Ground pork or beef:

  - Nutritional values can vary depending on the cut and fat content.

  - Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per 100g serving

  - Protein: 16-20g

  - Fat: 20-25g

  - Sodium: Varies

  - Cholesterol: Varies

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains iron, zinc, and B vitamins

  - Nutritional benefits: Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc, but it can also be high in saturated fat and cholesterol, so moderation is key.

Onion:

  - Calories: Approximately 44 calories per 100g

  - Carbohydrates: 10.1g

  - Protein: 1.2g

  - Fat: 0.1g

  - Sodium: 4mg

  - Fiber: 1.7g

  - Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C and vitamin B6

  - Minerals: Contains potassium and manganese

benefits: Onions are low in calories and packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They also provide fiber and various vitamins and minerals.

Carrots:

  - Calories: Approximately 41 calories per 100g

  - Carbohydrates: 9.6g

  - Protein: 0.9g

  - Fat: 0.2g

  - Sodium: 69mg

  - Fiber: 2.8g

  - Vitamins: High in vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K

  - Minerals: Contains potassium and manganese

benefits: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body and essential for vision health. They also provide antioxidants and fiber.

Bell pepper:

  - Calories: Approximately 31 calories per 100g

  - Carbohydrates: 6g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0.3g

  - Sodium: 4mg

  - Fiber: 2.1g

  - Vitamins: High in vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin B6

  - Minerals: Contains potassium and folate

benefits: Bell peppers are low in calories and rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.

Tomato paste:

  - Calories: Approximately 82 calories per 100g

  - Carbohydrates: 17.7g

  - Protein: 4.3g

  - Fat: 0.5g

  - Sodium: 54mg

  - Fiber: 2.2g

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin K, and various B vitamins

  - Minerals: Provides potassium and manganese

benefits: Tomato paste is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain diseases. It also provides vitamins and minerals.

Diced tomatoes:

  - Calories: Approximately 18 calories per 100g

  - Carbohydrates: 3.9g

  - Protein: 0.9g

  - Fat: 0.2g

  - Sodium: 9mg

  - Fiber: 1.2g

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K

  - Minerals: Provides potassium and manganese

benefits: Diced tomatoes are low in calories and a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and potassium.

Garlic:

  - Calories: Approximately 149 calories per 100g

  - Carbohydrates: 33g

  - Protein: 6.4g

  - Fat: 0.5g

  - Sodium: 17mg

  - Fiber: 2.1g

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and various B vitamins

  - Minerals: Provides calcium, iron, and magnesium

benefits: Garlic is known for its potent medicinal properties, including its ability to boost immune function, reduce blood pressure, and improve heart health.

Vegetable or chicken broth:

  - Nutritional values can vary depending on the brand and ingredients.

  - Calories: Approximately 5-10 calories per cup (240ml)

  - Sodium: Varies depending on the brand and recipe

  - Vitamins and minerals: Can provide small amounts of vitamins and minerals depending on the ingredients used

benefits: Broth adds flavor to dishes without adding many calories. It can also contribute some vitamins and minerals, depending on how it's made.

11. Sour cream (optional):

  - Calories: Approximately 340 calories per 100g

  - Carbohydrates: 3.2g

  - Protein: 2.3g

  - Fat: 34g

  - Sodium: 30mg

  - Cholesterol: 90mg

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin B12

  - Minerals: Provides calcium and phosphorus

benefits: Sour cream adds richness and tanginess to dishes, but it's high in fat and calories. It also provides some vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium.

These nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as cooking methods and specific brands/products used.