Gluten-Free Sarmale in Cabbage Leaves

Discover the comforting flavors of traditional Eastern European cuisine with this delightful recipe for Gluten-Free Sarmale in Cabbage Leaves. These tender rolls are packed with a savory blend of ground pork, ground beef, and aromatic herbs like dill, combined with long-grain rice for a hearty, gluten-free filling. Nestled in softened cabbage leaves and simmered slowly in a rich tomato sauce infused with bay leaves and paprika, every bite bursts with flavor. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a naturally gluten-free alternative to this classic dish. With a prep time of 45 minutes and a slow cooking process that allows the flavors to meld beautifully, these sarmale are best served warm alongside your favorite gluten-free bread or a crisp green salad. Indulge in a meal that's wholesome, comforting, and irresistibly delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:165 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 20 pieces Large cabbage leaves
• 500 grams Ground pork
• 250 grams Ground beef
• 100 grams Long-grain rice
• 1 large Onion
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons Dill
• 200 grams Tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 2 pieces Bay leaves
• 500 milliliters Water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully blanch the cabbage leaves for about 5 minutes until they are soft. Drain them and set aside to cool.

Step 2

Rinse the rice under cold water and set it aside.

Step 3

Finely chop the onion and garlic cloves.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, rinsed rice, sautéed onions and garlic, dill, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until well combined.

Step 6

Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Put about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture on the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll it up tightly. Repeat this process with the remaining leaves and filling.

Step 7

In a large pot, add a tablespoon of olive oil and line the bottom with some small or torn cabbage leaves.

Step 8

Arrange the rolls in the pot, packing them snugly. Add the bay leaves between the layers.

Step 9

In a bowl, mix the tomato paste with 500 milliliters of water and pour this sauce over the cabbage rolls.

Step 10

Place a lid on the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook on low heat for about 2 hours, until the cabbage and filling are completely cooked through.

Step 11

Check occasionally to ensure there is enough liquid in the pot. Add a little more water if necessary.

Step 12

Once cooked, allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve the sarmale warm, accompanied by your choice of gluten-free bread or a light salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2424.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2975.9

Total Fat 193.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 63.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 615.9mg	0%
Sodium 3092.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 127.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.0g	0%
Total Sugars 53.1g
Protein 193.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 629.4mg	0%
Iron 20.9mg	0%
Potassium 4298.0mg	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: 57.5%

Protein: 25.6%

Carbs: 16.9%