3rd day in Bucharest. We made Sarmale.

This is a typical Romanian dish. A dumpling of some sorts but wrapped in pickled cabbage leaves instead of flour. The dumplings are then boiled in tomato sauce and served as a main with cream and polenta.

The main difference between Sarmale and other type of dumplings is the filling. It is a mix of minced pork, beef, onions and rice. I think the rice gave it a different consistency and texture from other dumplings that I have tasted. It is surprisingly not a heavy meal if you skip the polenta. I think the light tomato sauce and picked cabbage makes it very appetizing as well.

Anyway this is one of those dish that every Romanian household has their own take on the recipe and everyone claims that their Sarmale is the best.

In any case, I am proud to have produced a pot of Sarmale.