Low Fat Sarmale (Romanian Cabbage Rolls)

Indulge in the rich flavors of Romanian cuisine with this healthier twist on traditional sarmale—Low Fat Sarmale (Romanian Cabbage Rolls). These hearty cabbage rolls are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of lean ground turkey, brown rice, and aromatic herbs like dill and thyme, making them a lighter yet satisfying option for your next meal. A slow simmer in a savory low-sodium chicken broth and tomato paste sauce ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Perfect for meal prep or cozy family dinners, these cabbage rolls are naturally low in fat and filled with wholesome ingredients, offering a guilt-free way to enjoy a classic Eastern European dish. Serve them warm with a dollop of low-fat yogurt or sour cream for the ultimate comfort food experience!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:190 mins

Total Time:220 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 large head cabbage
• 500 grams lean ground turkey
• 100 grams brown rice
• 1 large onion
• 1 medium carrot
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 500 milliliters low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon dill
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cabbage head and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Boil for about 10 minutes until the leaves begin to soften then remove from water. Carefully separate the leaves and set them aside to cool.

Step 2

Meanwhile, cook the brown rice according to package instructions and set aside to cool.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and grated carrot, sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 5

In a large bowl, combine the lean ground turkey, cooked rice, sautéed onion mixture, dill, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.

Step 6

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

Step 7

In a large pot, add half of the tomato paste to the bottom. Arrange the cabbage rolls tightly together in layers in the pot.

Step 8

Once all the rolls are placed in the pot, dilute the remaining tomato paste in the low-sodium chicken broth and pour over the cabbage rolls.

Step 9

Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 3 hours, checking occasionally to ensure there's enough liquid to simmer.

Step 10

Once the rolls are tender, remove from heat and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Serve warm, optionally with a dollop of low-fat yogurt or sour cream on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2164.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1281.1

Total Fat 53.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5g
Cholesterol 357.1mg	0%
Sodium 1839.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 102.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.0g	0%
Total Sugars 40.9g
Protein 119.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 518.1mg	0%
Iron 14.3mg	0%
Potassium 3313.3mg	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: 35.1%

Protein: 35.0%

Carbs: 29.9%