๐ฅฌ Traditional Homemade Sarma (Stuffed Sour Cabbage Rolls)
By RichardObradovic |
Main Dishes |
Balkan |
Apr 25, 2025 |
470 views
Description
Authentic Balkan sarma made with sour cabbage leaves, filled with juicy meat and rice, slow-cooked with smoked meat until perfectly tender. A traditional comfort food, rich in flavor and perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
- ๐ฅฌ 1 large head of sour cabbage (or ~20 leaves)
- ๐ฅฉ 300g ground pork
- ๐ฅฉ 300g ground beef
- ๐ง
1 onion, finely chopped
- ๐ 100g uncooked rice
- ๐ถ๏ธ 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ๐ง Salt, to taste
- โซ Black pepper, to taste
- ๐ฟ 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- ๐ฅ 200g smoked meat (ribs, bacon, or sausage)
- ๐ 2 bay leaves
- ๐ง Water or broth (to cover)
- Optional roux (zaprลกka):
- ๐ข๏ธ 2 tbsp oil
- ๐พ 1 tbsp flour
- ๐ถ๏ธ 1 tsp sweet paprika
Preparation
- โ Soak or rinse the cabbage leaves if too salty. Cut out thick veins to make rolling easier.
- โ In a bowl, mix pork, beef, onion, rice, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme until well combined.
- โ Place filling on each cabbage leaf, fold sides, and roll tightly.
- โ Line the pot with shredded cabbage. Arrange sarma rolls in layers, add smoked meat and bay leaves.
- โ Pour in water or broth to cover. Place a plate on top. Simmer on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours.
- โ For roux (optional): Heat oil, add flour, stir until golden. Remove from heat, add paprika, mix, and pour into pot. Simmer 10 more minutes.
Total Time
๐ ๏ธ Prep: 30 minutes
๐ฅ Cooking: 2.5 to 3 hours
๐ Total: Around 3.5 hours
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