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
Cooking Tips
- Use a burrito-style rolling technique for perfectly tight rolls.
- Ensure about 2 inches of water covers the rolls while cooking.
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