Rate filled with cabbage rolls

Stuffed Duck with Sarmale – a Memorable Recipe for the Holiday Table

When it comes to festive dishes, few can compare to the delight of a stuffed duck with sarmale. This recipe not only impresses with its appearance but also with the combination of flavors that blends tradition with innovation. If you are looking for a dish that will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones, you have come to the right place!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Marinating time: 2-24 hours
Baking time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 6-8

Necessary ingredients

For the marinade:
- 1 duck weighing about 2 kg
- 1 large onion
- 1 carrot
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 200 ml dry white wine
- Salt, whole pepper
- Allspice berries
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 2 tablespoons oil

For the filling:
- 500 g ground turkey (or other poultry)
- 50 g rice
- Spices for sarmale (salt, pepper, dill, thyme)

For assembly:
- 1 pickled cabbage (or fresh, if preferred)
- Oil or lard for greasing

Step-by-step preparation

1. Marinating the duck: Start by cleaning and washing the onion, carrot, and garlic. Slice the carrot into rounds, the onion into scales, and the garlic into thin slices. Add all the vegetables to a large container, such as a pot with a lid.

2. Preparing the marinade: In the container with the vegetables, add the white wine, salt, whole pepper, allspice, and mustard. Mix well to combine the flavors.

3. Preparing the duck: Wash the duck well and ensure it is clean inside, without any liver or other organ remnants. Dry it with paper towels and submerge it in the marinade, ensuring all the meat is covered. Put the lid on the container and let it marinate in the refrigerator (ideally overnight, but at least 2 hours).

4. Preparing the sarmale: While the duck is marinating, prepare the sarmale. Use turkey meat, which is leaner and healthier. Boil the rice in salted water until slightly soft, then drain it. Mix the ground meat with the boiled rice, add the desired spices, and mix well.

5. Assembling the duck: Remove the duck from the marinade and clean it of the vegetables inside. Place it on a platter. Fill the duck with sarmale, being careful not to overstuff it. If all the sarmale do not fit inside the duck, you can arrange them around it in the tray.

6. Preparing the tray: Use a deep tray and grease it with oil or lard. Add shredded pickled cabbage to the bottom of the tray along with the remaining marinade. Place the duck breast-side down, drizzle with a little oil or lard, and cover the tray with aluminum foil.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 170°C. Bake the duck covered for one hour. After the first hour, remove the foil and turn the duck breast-side up. Bake for another 30 minutes.

8. Achieving the perfect crust: After 90 minutes, remove the duck from the oven, moistening its skin with the sauce from the tray, then return the duck to the oven to form a beautiful crust for 10 minutes. Repeat on the opposite side for an even crust.

9. Serving: Place a layer of baked cabbage on a platter, add the stuffed duck, and surround it with the remaining sarmale.

Chef's tip: If you want a leaner option, you can opt for chicken or turkey instead of duck, and the sarmale can be made with lean pork or a mix of meats. Additionally, for an even more intense flavor, add a few bay leaves to the marinade.

Nutritional benefits: Duck is an excellent source of protein, while sarmale contain vegetables and rice, providing a balanced meal. The dish is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as essential minerals.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another meat? Yes, you can use chicken or turkey.
- What side dish pairs best? A mashed potato or a fresh salad would perfectly complement this dish.
- How long can leftover duck be stored? It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or it can be frozen for later consumption.

This stuffed duck with sarmale recipe is not just a dish, but a culinary experience filled with tradition and flavor. I encourage you to prepare it with love and share it with your loved ones for an unforgettable meal. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 over 2kg1 pickled cabbage500g ground turkey50g rice2 tablespoons of oilSpices for cabbage rollsFor the marinade:1 large onion1 carrot2 cloves of garlic200ml white wineWhole pepperAllspiceWhole mustardSaltPepper