Sarma
Sarma are traditional Serbian stuffed cabbage rolls, typically made with fermented cabbage leaves filled with a mixture of ground meat (pork and beef), rice, and seasonings, then slow-cooked to perfection. They are a hearty and flavorful dish, often considered a comfort food and a staple during holidays and colder months.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 large Whole fermented cabbage head
- 500 g Ground pork
- 500 g Ground beef
- 150 g Rice(uncooked, medium grain)
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 200 g Smoked bacon or pork belly(diced)
- 2 tbsp Sweet paprika
- 1 tsp Hot paprika(optional, for heat)
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil or lard
- as needed Water or broth
- 3 Bay leaves
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Carefully separate the fermented cabbage leaves from the head. Trim any thick ribs from the leaves. Chop any remaining cabbage scraps finely.
💡 Tip: If the leaves are too small, you can overlap two leaves to form a larger one. - 2
In a large bowl, combine ground pork, ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onions, minced garlic, sweet paprika, hot paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
💡 Tip: Some recipes also add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the filling for extra flavor. - 3
Take a portion of the filling and place it on a cabbage leaf. Roll the leaf tightly, tucking in the sides, to form a neat roll. Repeat with the remaining filling and cabbage leaves.
- 4
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, layer the bottom with some diced smoked bacon or pork belly and the finely chopped cabbage scraps. This prevents the sarma from sticking and adds flavor.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Arrange the rolled sarma tightly in the pot, seam-side down, in layers. Place bay leaves between the layers. Top with the remaining smoked bacon or pork belly.
💡 Tip: Packing them tightly helps them maintain their shape during cooking. - 6
Pour enough water or broth over the sarma to cover them completely. If you have any leftover cabbage leaves, you can use them to cover the top layer.
- 7
Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for at least 3 to 4 hours, or until the cabbage is very tender and the flavors have melded. Check periodically and add more liquid if needed.
⏱️ 3-4 hours💡 Tip: The longer and slower the cooking, the better the flavor and texture. - 8
Serve hot, often with a dollop of sour cream or a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
💡 Tip: Sarma is often even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use good quality fermented cabbage for the best flavor.
- ✓Don't overstuff the cabbage leaves, as the rice will expand during cooking.
- ✓Slow and low cooking is key to tender sarma.
- ✓Sarma freezes well, making it a great dish to prepare in advance.
🔄 Variations
- Vegetarian Sarma: Use a mixture of mushrooms, lentils, and rice for the filling.
- Add a tablespoon of ajvar (Serbian red pepper relish) to the filling for a touch of sweetness and smokiness.
- Some regions add a bit of tomato sauce or paste to the cooking liquid.