Varză a la Cluj

An authentic Transylvanian specialty, varză a la Cluj consists of sour cabbage, minced meat, and rice. The sour cabbage is first cooked, and then combined with a mixture of seasoned minced meat, onions, and rice in a casserole dish, traditionally in alternating layers. Often topped with a mixture of sour cream and milk, the dish is sometimes flavored with tomato sauce or sour cream between layers. A version of this Romanian dish, mentioned in a 1695 cookbook, called for a combination of minced cabbage and a variety of meats, including beef, ham, chicken, or goose, all seasoned with salt, pepper, and ginger. This traditional cabbage dish is a local specialty in Cluj-Napoca, served in numerous restaurants throughout the city. It is usually eaten hot, accompanied by hot peppers, sour cream, and mămăligă on the side.