Sarma

Name: Sarma
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 240 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Bosnian
Ingredients: 1 head sour cabbage (kiseli kupus); 500g ground beef; 150g rice, rinsed; 1 large onion, grated; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper; 500ml beef broth; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp dried thyme

Sarma (SAHR-mah)

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

⏱ Prep Time 1 hour

📈 Difficulty Hard

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 380 kcal

Tender sour cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground beef, rice, and onions, slow-simmered in a smoky broth.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 22.0g

Carbs 28.0g

Fat 20.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

large pot cutting board toothpicks

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep ceramic dish

Garnishes: sour cream

Accompaniments: crusty bread, pickled peppers

Ingredients

1 head sour cabbage (kiseli kupus)
500g ground beef
150g rice, rinsed
1 large onion, grated
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper
500ml beef broth
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme

Instructions

1
Carefully separate sour cabbage leaves and rinse lightly.
2
Mix beef, rice, grated onion, paprika, oil, salt, and pepper.
3
Place 2 tbsp filling on each leaf, fold sides in, roll tightly.
4
Shred remaining cabbage and layer on the bottom of a large pot.
5
Arrange rolls seam-side down in tight layers. Add bay leaves.
6
Pour beef broth to cover. Simmer covered on low heat 2.5-3 hours.

💡

Did You Know?

Bosnian families traditionally prepare enormous pots of sarma before winter holidays, enough to feed guests for days.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large pot
cutting board
toothpicks

Garnishing

sour cream

Accompaniments

crusty bread, pickled peppers

The Story Behind Sarma

Sarma is a cornerstone of Bosnian winter cuisine inherited from Ottoman culinary tradition. The Bosnian version uses sour cabbage fermented in barrels, giving it a distinctive tangy depth. It is the quintessential dish of Bajram celebrations and Christmas alike.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed winter holidays, festive occasions 📜 Origins: Ottoman era

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