Recipe: Romanian Sarmale Pizza
Introduction
Romanian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and unique combinations. One popular dish that has gained worldwide recognition is Sarmale, which consists of cabbage rolls stuffed with a delicious meat filling. In this recipe, we will put a twist on the traditional Sarmale by turning it into a mouthwatering pizza.
Ingredients
To make the Romanian Sarmale Pizza, you will need the following ingredients:
Pizza Dough:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
Sarmale Filling:
– 1 pound ground pork
– ½ cup rice, cooked
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings:
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup sauerkraut
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your Romanian Sarmale Pizza:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Sarmale Filling
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Using your hands, form small meatballs with the mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. Place the rolled-out dough onto a greased baking sheet or pizza stone.
4. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
5. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
6. Arrange the Sarmale meatballs evenly on the pizza.
7. Add sauerkraut on top of the meatballs.
8. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the pizza.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
1. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese melts and bubbles.
2. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley.
4. Slice and serve your delicious Romanian Sarmale Pizza.
Conclusion
By combining the flavors of traditional Romanian Sarmale with the beloved pizza, you can create a unique and delicious dish that will impress your family and friends. This recipe allows you to enjoy the taste of Sarmale in a fun and innovative way. Give it a try and experience the best of both worlds.