π₯¬ Traditional Homemade Sarma (Stuffed Sour Cabbage Rolls)
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
For the rolls:
π₯¬ 1 whole sour cabbage head (fermented)
π 500g ground pork
π 300g ground beef
π§ 1 onion, finely chopped
π 100g rice (short-grain)
πΆοΈ 1 tsp sweet paprika
π§ Salt and black pepper to taste
πΏ 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
For cooking:
π₯¬ A few sour cabbage leaves, shredded
π₯ 150g smoked meat (ribs, bacon, or sausage β optional)
π 2 bay leaves
π§ Water or broth to cover
For roux (optional):
π§ 2 tbsp oil or lard
πΎ 1 tbsp flour
πΆοΈ 1 tbsp paprika
Preparation
β Soak or rinse the cabbage leaves if too salty. Cut out thick veins to make rolling easier.
β In a bowl, mix pork, beef, onion, rice, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme until well combined.
β Place filling on each cabbage leaf, fold sides, and roll tightly.
β Line the pot with shredded cabbage. Arrange sarma rolls in layers, add smoked meat and bay leaves.
β Pour in water or broth to cover. Place a plate on top. Simmer on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours.
β For roux (optional): Heat oil, add flour, stir until golden. Remove from heat, add paprika, mix, and pour into pot. Simmer 10 more minutes.
Preparation Time
π οΈ Prep: 30 minutes
π₯ Cooking: 2.5 to 3 hours
π Total: Around 3.5 hours
Nutritional Value
π₯ Calories (2 rolls): ~420 kcal
πͺ Protein: ~25gβ
π§ Fat: ~28gβ
π Carbs: ~20g
Advice
Sarma is even better the next day! Let it rest overnight and reheat gently β flavors deepen beautifully. Also great for freezing.
Status
π₯¬ Slow-cooked, smoky, and full of flavor β this is real Balkan sarma made with love!
π² Try it now
#grannyzen #sarma #balkanrecipes #comfortfood #homemadewithlove