How to Make Sarmale: Romanian Cabbage Rolls

5 from 5 votes

Sarmale is a traditional Romanian dish made from cabbage leaves stuffed with pork and rice. They're delicious and easy to make at home!

Prep Time15

Cook Time8

Total Time8 15

Course: Main

Cuisine: Romanian

Servings: Rolls

Calories: 219kcal

Add the Sour Cabbage leaves to a bowl of cold water and allow them to soak while prepping the remaining ingredients.
Mix the pork, onions, and rice with the herbs and spices.
Drain the water from the bowl of cabbage leaves and check to ensure the leaves aren't too large. If so, cut them in half. Also, cut out the largest rib part at the bottom of the leaves. This will help make them easier to roll.
Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the pork mixture in the center of a cabbage leaf and roll, folding the ends inside. Repeat until you either run out of filling or cabbage leaves.
Chop up any remaining cabbage leaves and lay them on the bottom of the Slow Cooker. Now, carefully place each Sarmale in the crockpot, stacking them as you go. Pour the tomato juice in, spread the sliced bacon evenly across the top, and put the lid on the slow cooker.
Cook your Sarmale for 4 hours on low or high for 8 hours. I Recommend planning for the 8 hours as I think the longer they cook, the more the flavors combine.

Romanian Cabbage Rolls are traditionally served with Polenta and topped with sour cream. I serve these over a bed of Freshly made mashed potatoes and still top them with sour cream. The Sour Cream is an absolute must, in my opinion. It adds an extra layer of sourness to the overall flavor.

Don't forget to add the rice to the meat mixture; getting the right texture is essential.

I highly recommend using sour cabbage leaves. You may be able to find these at your local grocery store, but if not, they can also be purchased online.