Sarmale în Foi de Viță (Moldovan Stuffed Grape Leaves with Rice, Herbs & Smântână) – Authentic Moldova Recipe
Bite-sized Moldovan vine-leaf rolls slow-simmered in clay pots with aromatic cimbru (summer savory) and dill.
- Country of Origin
- 🇲🇩 Moldova (Eastern Europe, Europe)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 25 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Signature Staples
- Tender grape leaves (or cabbage), Seasoned pork/beef and rice filling, Sour cream, Fresh dill, Thyme (cimbru)
Ingredients for Sarmale în Foi de Viță (Moldovan Stuffed Grape Leaves with Rice, Herbs & Smântână) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) tender grape leaves (or cabbage), prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups seasoned pork/beef and rice filling, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with fresh dill
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Moldova seasoning (thyme (cimbru), sweet paprika, tomato broth)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Finely chop or mash tender grape leaves (or cabbage) and mix in a bowl with fresh dill, thyme (cimbru), sweet paprika, tomato broth, and a pinch of salt to form a savory filling.
- Portion or fold the seasoned mixture with seasoned pork/beef and rice filling into neat traditional parcels, dumplings, or patties.
- Heat a heavy skillet with oil over medium heat or bring a steamer/broth pot to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the parcels for 12–15 minutes until tender and cooked through (crisping the bottoms in the skillet if desired).
- Spoon sour cream generously over the top and serve warm.