Description:
This innovative dish combines the comforting flavors of Romanian sarmale (cabbage rolls) with the rich, nutty taste of Congolese peanut sauce. Filled with a unique mixture of mashed plantains, smoked meat, and aromatic spices, these rolls are steamed and served with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce for a fusion experience that bridges Eastern Europe and Central Africa.
Ingredients:
For the sarmale:
- 10 cabbage leaves (blanched)
- 2 large ripe plantains (mashed)
- 200g ground smoked pork or beef
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp thyme
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the peanut sauce:
- 200ml unsweetened peanut butter
- 150ml coconut milk
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 1 small chili (optional, finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the filling:
- In a bowl, mix mashed plantains, smoked meat, onion, garlic, paprika, thyme, coriander, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the sarmale:
- Lay each cabbage leaf flat and place a portion of the filling in the center. Roll tightly, tucking in the sides to create neat rolls.
- Cook the sarmale:
- Arrange the rolls in a steamer or a pot with a bit of water at the bottom. Steam for about 30 minutes or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
- Make the peanut sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, tomato paste, garlic, chili, cumin, and salt. Simmer gently, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Serve:
- Place the sarmale on a plate and drizzle generously with peanut sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts.
- Enjoy:
- Serve warm as a hearty main dish that celebrates the flavors of both Romania and the Congo.
