Language/Romanian/Culture/Romanian-Cuisine

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Romanian → Culture → 0 to A1 Course → Romanian Culture and Traditions → Romanian Cuisine

Introduction

If you are interested in Romanian culture and traditions, then you should definitely know about Romanian cuisine. Romanian food is a unique blend of different cultures, each one adding their own spices, flavors, and ingredients. Throughout its history, Romania has been influenced by its neighboring countries such as Hungary, Turkey, Greece, and Russia. Each of these countries has left its mark on Romania's culture and culinary scene. In this lesson, we will introduce you to some of the best traditional Romanian dishes and the stories behind them.

Consider exploring these related pages after completing this lesson: Geography and Landmarks & Media and Entertainment.

History of Romanian Cuisine

Romanian cuisine dates back to the Roman occupation of Dacia in 106 AD, however, it was not until the 19th century that Romanian cuisine began to take shape as we know it today. Before this time, Romanian cuisine was heavily influenced by the Ottoman Empire and their love of rich, savory dishes, such as stews and soups. But in the early 1800s, the country started gaining more independence from the Ottoman Empire, and Romanian cuisine began to take on more of its unique characteristics.

Romanian cuisine has been influenced by many cultures over the years, including Hungarian, Turkish, Slavic, and Jewish. Foods like sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), mici (grilled minced meat), and mititei (grilled sausage) are popular dishes that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Traditional Romanian Dishes

Sarmale

Sarmale is a popular Romanian dish that consists of cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of ground meat (usually pork), rice, and spices. The mixture is then rolled into a tight bundle and stewed in a tomato sauce. This dish is usually served with sour cream and polenta.

Romanian	Pronunciation	English
Sarmale	sahr-MAH-leh	Stuffed cabbage rolls

Ciorba

Ciorba is a traditional Romanian soup, usually made with meat (pork, chicken, or beef), vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, and celery), and sour cream. The broth is usually sour, and it is served hot with a dollop of sour cream on top.

Romanian	Pronunciation	English
Ciorba	CHOR-bah	Soup

Mititei

Mititei, also known as mici, are a popular Romanian street food. They are small sausage-like rolls made from a mixture of beef, pork, and lamb, and are seasoned with a blend of spices. Mititei are usually served with mustard, bread, and a cold beer.

Romanian	Pronunciation	English
Mititei	mee-TEE-teh	Grilled sausage

Mămăligă

Mămăligă is a traditional Romanian dish, similar to polenta, made from cornmeal. It is usually served with sour cream and cheese, and it is a popular side dish in many Romanian households.

Romanian	Pronunciation	English
Mămăligă	mam-uh-LEE-guh	Cornmeal porridge

Zacusca

Zacusca is a type of vegetable spread made from eggplants, bell peppers, and tomatoes. It is usually served as an appetizer, along with bread or crackers.

Romanian	Pronunciation	English
Zacusca	zah-KOOSH-ka	Vegetable spread

Papanasi

Papanasi is a traditional Romanian dessert, consisting of fried dough topped with sour cream and a sweet fruit preserve. This dessert is often enjoyed as a treat during celebrations or social gatherings.

Romanian	Pronunciation	English
Papanasi	pah-pah-NAH-shi	Fried dough with sour cream and fruit preserve

Influences on Romanian Cuisine

Romanian cuisine has been influenced by many cultures over the years, including Turkish, Greek, and Hungarian cuisines. These cultures have brought many ingredients and flavors to Romanian cuisine, including spices like paprika and cumin.

One of the most significant influences on Romanian cuisine is the Ottoman Empire. Ottoman cuisine is known for its rich, heavy sauces, and complex spice blends, and these flavors have had a lasting impact on Romanian cuisine. For example, dishes like sarmale, ciorba, and musaca (a type of eggplant casserole) are all dishes that are influenced by Ottoman cuisine.

Hungarian cuisine has also had a significant impact on Romanian cuisine, with dishes like goulash and stuffed peppers becoming popular in Romania as well. In Transylvania, a region of Romania that borders Hungary, dishes like chimney cake (a sweet pastry) and langos (fried dough) are also popular.

Conclusion

Romanian cuisine is a delicious blend of different cultures, flavors, and ingredients. From traditional dishes like sarmale and ciorba to street food like mititei, Romanian cuisine has something for every taste. We hope that this lesson has given you a taste of Romanian culture and traditions, and encouraged you to try some of these amazing dishes for yourself. Remember to enjoy your food with friends and family, just like the Romanians do!

Table of Contents - Romanian Course - 0 to A1

Course Presentation

Greetings and Introductions

Pronouns and Verbs

Numbers and Time

Adjectives and Adverbs

Family and Friends

Prepositions and Conjunctions

Food and Drinks

Questions and Negations

Locations and Directions

Plurals and Articles

Hobbies and Activities

Romanian Culture and Traditions

Imperatives and Requests

Travel and Transportation

Romanian Geography and History

Videos

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