Romanian Stuffed Cabbage (Sarmale) Recipe

Ingredients (22)

• 1 whole head cabbage, about 4 pounds
• 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 1/2 tablespoons raw rice
• 6 tablespoons hot water, divided
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground pork
• 1 slice white bread, crusts removed
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, optional
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup sauerkraut juice (reserved from drained sauerkraut)
• 1 tablespoon Vegeta
• 10 black peppercorns
• 4 medium bay leaves
• 3 cups sauerkraut, drained, rinsed, and squeezed dry (reserve 1 cup juice for cooking liquid)
• 6 strips bacon
• 6 sprigs fresh dill
• 2 pounds fresh or canned tomatoes, sliced