Step by Step Cabbage Rolls (Sarma)

Traditional Bosnian Cabbage Rolls (Sarma)

Discover the rich and savory flavors of Eastern Europe with this traditional Bosnian dish, Sarma. Tender cabbage leaves envelop a flavorful mixture of ground beef and rice, creating hearty rolls that simmer to perfection in a rich paprika sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, these cabbage rolls are loved across the Slavic region.

Ingredients

🥬 1 large head cabbage, sour or fresh/boiled
🥩 2 lbs ground beef, 85% lean
🍚 1.5 cups short-grain rice
🧅 1 medium onion, diced
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🧂 1.5 tsp salt
🌶️ 1 tbsp red paprika
🫒 1/4 cup olive oil
💧 1/2 cup warm water
⚖️ 1 tsp black pepper
For thickening:
🌾 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
🧂 1 tsp red paprika
💧 1/4 cup cold water

Instructions

1- Prepare the Cabbage:

If using fresh cabbage, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Submerge the whole cabbage head for about 15 minutes to soften the leaves.
Place the cabbage on a Cook's Choice cutting board with the core facing up. Use a large knife to cut out the core in a circular motion.
Carefully peel off the cabbage leaves, being mindful not to tear them.
Trim off the hard veins from each leaf to facilitate rolling.

2- Prepare the Meat Mixture:

In a glass mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, olive oil, and warm water.
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

3- Roll the Cabbage Rolls:

Lay each cabbage leaf on a clean blue plate. Place a suitable amount of meat mixture in the center, leaving space on each side.
Fold the sides of the cabbage leaf over the filling and roll tightly from the end closest to you to form a compact cylinder.

4- Cook the Cabbage Rolls:

Layer the rolls neatly in a large stainless steel cooking pot.
Add water to cover the rolls by about 2 inches.
Bring water to a boil on high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours.

5- Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

In a small bowl, whisk all-purpose flour, paprika, and cold water until smooth.
Pour the mixture into the pot and gently stir with a silicone spatula to thicken the sauce.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Equipment: Cook's Choice cutting board, Large knife, Glass mixing bowls, Anchor Hocking measuring cup, Stainless steel large cooking pot, Mini whisk, Silicone spatula