Sarma (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)
Sarma are traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, a hearty and flavorful dish popular in Balkan cuisine. Fermented cabbage leaves are filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, then simmered slowly until tender. This recipe delivers a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for cooler weather.
Una recepta original de Forkin
- Temps total
- 3 h 45 min
- Racions
- 6
- Dificultat
- Mitjana
- Per ració
- 714 kcal
Preparació prèvia
Llista d’ingredients
cabbage
- 1 usauerkraut, whole head, fermented
base
- 150 gsmoked bacon, diced
filling
- 1 uyellow onion, finely chopped
- 500 gground pork, lean
- 500 gground beef, lean
- 0,5 tassarice, short grain, uncooked
- 2 ctpaprika, sweet
- 0,5 ctblack pepper, freshly ground
- 1 ctsalt
- 1 tassawater
sauce
- 2 cstomato paste
liquid
- 4 tassawater
flavoring
- 2 ubay leaf
layering
- 200 gsmoked sausage, sliced
Estris
large bowl · large pot · cutting board · knife
Elaboració
Pas a pas
- 1
Carefully remove the outer leaves from the whole sauerkraut head, preserving them as intact as possible.
Uns 5 min
Nota de cuina: You should aim for about 12-15 large, pliable leaves for rolling.
- 2
Finely chop any remaining sauerkraut from the head that is too small for rolling.
Uns 5 min
- 3
In a large bowl, combine the chopped yellow onion, ground pork, ground beef, rice, paprika, black pepper, and salt for the filling.
Uns 5 min
Nota de cuina: Mix thoroughly with your hands to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- 4
Take one cabbage leaf and, if the thick rib is very prominent, carefully shave it down with a knife so the leaf is easier to roll.
Uns 10 min
- 5
Place a spoonful of the meat filling near the stem end of the cabbage leaf.
Uns 15 min
Nota de cuina: The amount of filling will depend on the size of your leaf, usually about 2-3 tablespoons.
- 6
Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it tightly from the stem end towards the tip, forming a compact roll.
- 7
Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling until all sarma rolls are made.
- 8
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, scatter a layer of the diced smoked bacon and the chopped sauerkraut on the bottom.
Uns 5 min
Nota de cuina: This base prevents the sarma from sticking and adds flavor.
- 9
Arrange the sarma rolls snugly on top of the chopped sauerkraut layer, packing them tightly.
Uns 5 min
Nota de cuina: You may need to create multiple layers depending on your pot size.
- 10
Intersperse slices of smoked sausage between the layers of sarma.
- 11
Dissolve the tomato paste in the water and pour this mixture over the sarma rolls.
Uns 2 min
- 12
Add the bay leaf to the liquid.
- 13
Add enough additional water to just cover the sarma rolls.
Uns 1 min
- 14
Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 3 hours.
Uns 3 h
Nota de cuina: The longer sarma simmers, the more tender the cabbage and flavorful the dish becomes. Check occasionally to ensure there's enough liquid; add more water if needed.
- 15
Serve the sarma hot, often with a dollop of sour cream or a side of crusty bread.
Per ració
Nutrició
- Calories
- 714,1kcal
- Proteïnes
- 43,9g
- Hidrats de carboni
- 12,5g
- Greixos
- 54g
- Fibra
- 5,9g
- Sucre
- 5g
Estimació basada en les quantitats dels ingredients. Els valors poden variar segons les marques i les substitucions.
Conservació
Store leftover sarma in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
More recipes
All recipesSambar (Lentil & Veg Stew)
This aromatic South Indian lentil and vegetable stew is a staple comfort food, packed with flavor from tamarind, spices, and a variety of vegetables. It's hearty, nutritious, and perfect served with rice or idli.
1 h 215 kcalHimmel und Erde (Heaven and Earth)
This traditional German dish combines fluffy mashed potatoes with sweet, tart apples, often served alongside crispy fried bacon or blood sausage. It's a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for a cold evening. The name refers to the apples from trees (heaven) and potatoes from the ground (earth).
50 min 601 kcalKolhapuri Chicken
This fiery Kolhapuri Chicken features tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich, aromatic gravy. A special homemade spice blend gives this dish its characteristic deep red color and intense flavor. Perfect for those who enjoy a truly spicy Indian curry.
1 h 5 min 493 kcalVegetable Sushi Rolls
These homemade vegetable sushi rolls are fresh, vibrant, and surprisingly simple to make. Featuring seasoned sushi rice and crisp vegetables, they make a delightful and healthy meal or appetizer. Customize with your favorite fillings for endless variations.
1 h 562 kcalSmothered Fried Potatoes
A simple and comforting side dish of potatoes and onions slow-fried in a single skillet until perfectly tender. This classic recipe uses minimal ingredients to create a flavorful accompaniment suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
45 min 411 kcalClassic Eccles Cakes
Flaky puff pastry encasing a sweet, spiced currant filling, these traditional British pastries are perfect for a snack or with a cup of tea. A simple yet satisfying treat that comes together easily.
38 min 425 kcalPiperrada
Piperrada is a vibrant and flavorful Basque dish made with sautéed bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions. It's a simple yet elegant side dish that can also be enjoyed as a light meal with crusty bread. This vegan version highlights the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
45 min 144 kcal