Traditional Sarma

Discover the heartwarming flavors of Traditional Sarma, a classic Balkan recipe perfect for cozy family meals or special gatherings. This dish features tender Savoy cabbage leaves lovingly stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, ground pork, rice, and aromatic spices like paprika and garlic. Slowly simmered in a rich tomato and vegetable broth with fragrant bay leaves for up to three hours, these cabbage rolls become irresistibly tender and infused with deep, comforting flavors. With a balance of wholesome ingredients and a technique that emphasizes patience and care, Sarma is the ultimate comfort food that’s ideal for winter nights. Serve these delectable rolls hot, smothered in the tangy sauce, and enjoy a timeless recipe that brings tradition to your table. Perfectly suited for meal prep or large gatherings, this dish will transport you straight to a Balkan kitchen with every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:40 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:220 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 head Savoy cabbage
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 large, finely chopped Onion
• 3 cloves, minced Garlic
• 250 grams Ground beef
• 250 grams Ground pork
• 100 grams Rice
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 500 milliliters Tomato sauce
• 500 milliliters Vegetable broth
• 2 Bay leaves

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully separate the cabbage leaves and blanch them in the boiling water for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Transfer them to a colander and let cool.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.

Step 3

Add the ground beef and pork to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 4

Stir in the rice, paprika, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook for another 3 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 5

Lay out a cabbage leaf and place about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture at the base. Roll the leaf tightly, tucking in the sides to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Step 6

In a separate pot, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Arrange the rolled sarmas seam-side down in layers, fitting snugly in the pot.

Step 7

In a mixing bowl, combine the tomato sauce, vegetable broth, bay leaves, and the remaining teaspoon of salt. Pour the mixture over the sarmas in the pot.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cover and cook the sarmas for about 2.5 to 3 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 9

Check occasionally, adding a little water if needed to ensure the sarmas are covered with liquid.

Step 10

Once the sarmas are cooked, remove them with a slotted spoon and serve hot, accompanied by some of the sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2545.6 grams (2545.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2501

Total Fat 159.40g	204%
Saturated Fat 48.00g	240%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.60g
Cholesterol 398mg	133%
Sodium 7317mg	318%
Total Carbohydrate 135.00g	49%
Dietary Fiber 31.00g	111%
Total Sugars 45.00g
Protein 136.70g	273%

Vitamin D 16IU	78%
Calcium 583mg	45%
Iron 17mg	94%
Potassium 3648mg	78%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.9%

Protein: 21.7%

Carbs: 21.4%