Dairy-Free Sarmale (Romanian Cabbage Rolls)

Discover the comforting flavors of Eastern Europe with this Dairy-Free Sarmale (Romanian Cabbage Rolls) recipe that’s as wholesome as it is satisfying. Perfect for those seeking a plant-forward twist on a traditional favorite, these cabbage rolls are filled with a fragrant mixture of rice, carrots, onions, garlic, and aromatic herbs like dill and thyme. Simmered gently in a tangy tomato sauce, these rolls boast a tender texture and rich, savory taste without any dairy. Ideal for cozy family dinners or make-ahead meals, this gluten-free and vegan-friendly dish is both hearty and nutritious. Serve these cabbage rolls hot with a ladle of the luscious tomato sauce for a crowd-pleasing entrée packed with authentic Romanian flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:150 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 large head cabbage
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 large, grated carrot
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 leaf bay leaf

Directions

Step 1

Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully peel away the outer leaves. Blanch them in a large pot of boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Set aside to cool.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute.

Step 3

Stir in the grated carrot, rice, thyme, dill, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 4

Add 1 cup of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is slightly cooked but not tender, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 5

Take a cabbage leaf and place about 2 tablespoons of the filling at one end. Roll the leaf up tightly, tucking in the sides to secure the filling. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

Step 6

In a large, wide pot, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomato paste and stir for 1 minute.

Step 7

Add the diced tomatoes, remaining vegetable broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

Step 8

Layer the cabbage rolls in the pot, seam-side down, and cover with any remaining cabbage leaves.

Step 9

Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2 hours, occasionally spooning some of the sauce over the rolls to ensure they stay moist.

Step 10

Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and serve the cabbage rolls hot, basked in the tomato sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2027.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1039.1

Total Fat 34.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.6g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4134.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 168.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 38.9g	0%
Total Sugars 51.1g
Protein 30.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 598.4mg	0%
Iron 13.3mg	0%
Potassium 3659.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.9%

Protein: 11.0%

Carbs: 61.1%