Paleo Sarmale in Cabbage Leaves

Discover a wholesome twist on a traditional favorite with this Paleo Sarmale in Cabbage Leaves recipe—perfect for anyone seeking a flavorful, gluten-free, and grain-free comfort food experience. Tender fermented cabbage leaves are lovingly wrapped around a hearty filling of ground pork and cauliflower rice, infused with aromatic garlic, onion, and fresh dill for an irresistible depth of flavor. Simmered in a rich tomato sauce seasoned with thyme and olive oil, these savory rolls are both nutrient-packed and bursting with classic Eastern European appeal. With just 30 minutes of prep time and simple step-by-step instructions, this paleo-friendly dish is ideal for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week. Serve these cabbage rolls warm and garnished with fresh dill for a truly satisfying paleo-approved feast.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 20 leaves Fermented cabbage leaves
• 500 grams Ground pork
• 200 grams Cauliflower rice
• 1 large Onion
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 3 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 500 ml Crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the cabbage leaves by carefully separating them and trimming the thick veins if necessary. Set aside.

Step 2

Finely chop the onion and garlic. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the ground pork to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink.

Step 5

Stir in the cauliflower rice, fresh dill, dried thyme, pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly and cook for an additional 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 6

Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture into the center. Roll the leaf up, folding the sides to enclose the filling.

Step 7

Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

Step 8

In a large pot, spread a thin layer of crushed tomatoes on the bottom. Place cabbage rolls tightly together, seam side down, into the pot.

Step 9

Mix the remaining crushed tomatoes and tomato paste together and pour over the sarmale.

Step 10

Cover the pot and simmer gently over low heat for approximately 90 minutes, ensuring the liquid is at a gentle bubble.

Step 11

Check occasionally to ensure there is enough liquid in the pot, adding a bit of water if necessary.

Step 12

Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh dill if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2504.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2236.7

Total Fat 135.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 43.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 450mg	0%
Sodium 9433.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 111.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 45.6g	0%
Total Sugars 53.1g
Protein 152.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 659.5mg	0%
Iron 26.3mg	0%
Potassium 4078.0mg	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: 53.6%

Protein: 26.8%

Carbs: 19.6%