Stuffed Cabbage: A Taste Journey from Tradition to the Future
Cabbage rolls, is one of the most established and popular dishes of Turkish cuisine. This dish, which is preferred by the masses with its practical preparation and rich flavor, is among the indispensable dishes of daily tables as well as special occasions. Here is a comprehensive guide to the details of stuffed cabbage and how to make it.
Selection and Preparation of Cabbage
The cabbage used in making cabbage rolls is of great importance in terms of taste. Medium sized white cabbage, is the ideal choice. First, the outer leaves of the cabbage should be carefully peeled and the inner parts should be reached. This process makes the sarma more delicious and smooth.
To prepare the cabbage, fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Place the cabbage in the boiling water and boil until the leaves are tender. Once done, remove the cabbage and let it cool. At this stage, pinch of salt Adding it will enhance the flavor of the cabbage.
Preparation of Internal Mortar
The stuffing is the most important ingredient of stuffed cabbage. Rice, onion, tomato and pepper paste A mixture enriched with takes the flavor of the sarmas to the peak. Here are the preparation stages of the stuffing:
- 2 cups of rice washed thoroughly and drained.
- 1 tea glass of olive oil put in a pan and heat.
- 1 large onion finely chopped, added to the pan and fried until pink.
- To the fried onion 2 tablespoon tomato paste ve 1 teaspoon of chili paste are added and mixed.
- Add the rice to the pan along with the spices (black pepper, salt, dried mint, red pepper flakes and optional cinnamon) and fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Finally, half bunch finely chopped parsley is added, mixed and removed from the stove.
Preparation of the Wrap
After preparing the stuffing, we can move on to making the sarmas. Carefully separate the cooled cabbage leaves. Place a sufficient amount of stuffing in the middle of each leaf and wrap it in a roll shape by closing both edges. Wrapping the sarmas properly will prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
Cooking Stage
To cook the sarmas, they need to be placed in a large pot. Putting a few cabbage leaves on the bottom of the pot will prevent the sarmas from burning. The wrapped sarmas are placed side by side in the pot. Then, 1 meal spoon tomato paste, 1 cup of hot water ve 2 tablespoon of olive oil mixed and poured over the wraps.
Cover the pot and cook on low heat for about 30-40 minutes Cooking time will increase the softness of the sarmas and complete their flavor.
Service Recommendations
Cabbage rolls can be served hot or cold. Adding yogurt on top will enhance the flavor even more. Also, serving with sliced lemon or pickle will enrich your meal. You can garnish the rolls with fresh herbs to experience an intense flavor explosion in every bite.
As a result
Cabbage rolls are a filling and nutritious dish that is interpreted differently in every culture, but has a unique place in Turkish cuisine. This traditional recipe, which has taken its place on family tables, will impress your guests with both its flavor and presentation. If you wish, you can change the ingredients in the recipe to suit your own taste. In short, cabbage rolls are not just a dish, but also a cultural heritage that has been carried from the past to the present.
