Sarmale cu Mămăligă: 5 Amazing Tips for Traditional Romanian Comfort!

Ingredients

• 1 large head of pickled cabbage (or fresh cabbage, blanched) (1.2 kg)
• 500g ground pork (1.1 lb)
• 100g uncooked rice (0.5 cup)
• 1 onion, finely chopped (medium)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (30g)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (5g)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (5g)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 300 ml water or broth (1.25 cups)
• 300g cornmeal (2 cups)
• 1 liter water (4 cups)
• 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
• 50g unsalted butter (3.5 tbsp)
• 100g grated cheese (feta or telemea, optional for topping) (0.5 cup)