How to Make Sarma (Stuffed Cabbage) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Sarma, also known as stuffed cabbage, is a traditional dish that is popular in many Eastern European and Balkan countries. This dish is made by rolling cabbage leaves around a filling of ground meat, rice, and various spices, then cooking them in a savory tomato sauce. Sarma is a comfort food that is enjoyed by many, especially during the colder months when warm and hearty dishes are preferred.

The origins of sarma can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was introduced to t...

Read more Snack recipes

Ingredients

  • 1 large head cabbage, frozen for 3 days, then thawed overnight in the refrigerator
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • ½ pound ground pork
  • ½ pound ground ham
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 pound sauerkraut
  • 1 cup tomato juice
  • 1 cup water, or as needed to cover

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 3 hrs 5 mins
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
  • Servings: 8

  • Remove the leaves from the head of cabbage.
  • Mix beef, pork, ham, uncooked rice, onion, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder together in a bowl until well combined. Form mixture into oblong balls, using 1/2 cup of the mixture at a time. Wrap a cabbage leaf around each ball.
  • Spread sauerkraut in the bottom of a large pot. Layer cabbage rolls on top, placing them seam-side down. Pour tomato juice over rolls, then add enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 3 hours, adding more water as necessary.
  • Nutrition

    315 cal.

    • Total Fat: 15g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 119mg
    • Sodium: 1075mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 12g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 32g
    • Vitamin C: 37mg
    • Calcium: 56mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 686mg