Sarma
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Sarma are tender, flavorful cabbage rolls filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection. This is a quintessential Balkan comfort food, often prepared for special occasions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 15 large Pickled cabbage leaves(or 1 medium head of pickled cabbage, drained and leaves separated)
- 450 g Ground pork
- 450 g Ground beef
- 1 large Onion(finely diced)
- 1 medium Carrot(shredded)
- 1 small Potato(shredded)
- 1 cup White rice(cooked)
- 3 tbsp Vegeta seasoning
- 3 tbsp Paprika(sweet or smoked)
- 100 g Smoked bacon or meat(sliced, for layering)
- 3 cups Water(or enough to cover)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 1 tbsp Oil(for sautéing)
- 2 optional Bay leaves
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using pickled cabbage leaves from a jar, carefully separate them and rinse under cold water. If using a whole head, remove the core and carefully peel off the leaves. Set aside any torn or small leaves for later.
💡 Tip: Soaking the leaves in cold water for about 15 minutes can help soften them. - 2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 1 cup of water and bring to a simmer.
- 3
Add the ground pork and ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat, until it's halfway cooked. Stir in 1 tbsp of salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp of Vegeta seasoning.
💡 Tip: Using a mix of meats adds depth of flavor. - 4
Add the paprika, cooked rice, shredded carrot, shredded potato, and another pinch of black pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another 5 minutes.
💡 Tip: The cooked rice helps bind the filling. - 5
Lay a cabbage leaf flat. Place 1-2 tablespoons of the filling near the stem end. Fold in the sides of the leaf, then tightly roll it up from the stem end towards the tip, like a small burrito.
💡 Tip: Don't overfill the leaves, as the rice will expand. - 6
Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling. Arrange the rolled sarma in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, seam-side down. Layer the sliced smoked bacon or meat among the rolls.
💡 Tip: A Tamale pot or a deep, heavy pot works well. - 7
Place any reserved torn or small cabbage leaves on top of the sarma. Add the bay leaves, if using. Pour in enough water (about 3 cups) to cover the sarma by about an inch.
💡 Tip: Ensure the water level is consistent. - 8
Cover the pot tightly with a lid. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is very tender and the flavors have melded.
💡 Tip: The longer it simmers, the more tender and flavorful it becomes. - 9
Serve hot, traditionally with a dollop of sour cream.
💡 Tip: Sarma is often even better the next day.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use a combination of pork and beef, or add a bit of smoked meat to the filling.
- ✓If you can't find pickled cabbage leaves, you can blanch fresh cabbage leaves in boiling water with vinegar until pliable.
- ✓Vegeta seasoning is a popular Balkan all-purpose seasoning; if unavailable, use a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of dried herbs.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a meatless version, use a filling of rice, sautéed vegetables (onions, carrots, mushrooms), and herbs.
- Some recipes include a tomato-based sauce, which can be made by simmering tomato paste with water and adding it to the pot.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.