Chicken sarmale with smoked meat

Chicken sarmale with smoked meat are a delicacy that combines culinary tradition with surprising flavors. This dish is not just a recipe but a true gastronomic experience, perfect for festive meals or for days when you want to treat yourself to something special. I will present step by step how to achieve the most delicious sarmale, enriched with the smoky flavors of meat and the freshness of pickled cabbage.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8 (approximately 40 sarmale)

Necessary ingredients

- 2 large chicken breasts, boned
- 2 large chicken thighs, boned
- 250 g smoked meat (preferably kaizer or another type of traditional smoked meat)
- 2 cans of crushed tomatoes in juice (I recommend the Cirio brand for an authentic taste)
- 1 cup of round-grain rice
- 2 large onions
- Thyme (or dill, depending on preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large pickled cabbages
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (palm oil is ideal)

Steps for preparation

1. Preparing the meat and vegetables
Start by grinding the chicken meat (breasts and thighs) in a meat grinder. Add the diced smoked meat and finely chopped onion. This combination will give the sarmale a rich and savory flavor. If you want to achieve a fine texture, you can use a food processor.

2. Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the rice, crushed tomatoes, oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well until all the ingredients are homogenized. It is important to include the rice in the mixture, as it will absorb the flavors and contribute to the consistency of the sarmale.

3. Filling the cabbage leaves
Wash the pickled cabbages well and separate the leaves. Take a cabbage leaf and place a tablespoon of the meat mixture in the center. Fold the cabbage leaf by bringing the sides in, then roll the sarmale. Continue until you finish all the mixture.

4. Preparing the sarmale
In a large pot (ideally, use a Zepter pot, which distributes heat evenly), place a layer of finely chopped cabbage on the bottom. Arrange the sarmale side by side, ensuring they are not too crowded. Cover them with water, then add another layer of chopped cabbage and, if desired, the remaining crushed tomatoes.

5. Boiling the sarmale
Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil for about 1 hour. After they have boiled, you can transfer them to a preheated oven at 180°C for another 30 minutes. This step will intensify the flavors and give the sarmale a slightly crispy crust on top.

6. Serving
The sarmale are served hot, accompanied by a portion of polenta and fresh hot peppers. This combination not only adds a contrast of textures but also a spicy flavor that perfectly complements the dish.

Practical tips

- Choosing the meat: Use fresh, high-quality chicken, and ensure the smoked meat comes from traditional sources. This will make a difference in the final taste.
- Cabbage: If your cabbages are too salty, you can rinse them under cold water before use.
- Variations: You can experiment with various herbs, such as oregano or basil, to give a twist to your sarmale.
- Freezing: Sarmale freeze very well. Once cooled, place them in containers and keep them for days when you want a tasty meal without too much effort.

Nutritional benefits

Sarmale are an excellent source of protein due to the chicken, while the rice adds complex carbohydrates. Pickled cabbage contains probiotics, which are great for digestive health. This recipe is ideal to include in your diet, offering both essential nutrients and a unique taste.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can use pork or meat mixtures, but keep in mind that the taste will be different.

- What can I do with the leftover cabbage?
The remaining cabbage can be used to prepare salads or other traditional dishes.

- Are sarmale suitable for vegans?
There are vegan variants where you can use vegetables and tofu instead of meat.

These chicken sarmale with smoked meat are more than just a recipe; they evoke memories, traditions, and unforgettable moments with loved ones. Prepare them with love and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts and two large boneless thighs 250g smoked meat (kaiser or whatever you prefer, preferably traditional style and not from the supermarket) 2 cans of crushed tomatoes in juice (Cirio) 1 cup of round grain rice 2 onions thyme (if desired, or if you like dill) salt and pepper to taste 2 large pickled cabbages 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (palm oil)

 Tags:  cabbage rolls rice easter recipes easter dishes easter dishes