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Sarma

Sarma are tender cabbage rolls wrapped around a savory filling of ground meat and rice, then slow-cooked in a tangy tomato broth.

⏱ 45 minPrep time
🔥 2 hr 30 minCook time
🍽 8Servings
🏷 Balkan KitchenCategory
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Sarma

Sarma are tender cabbage rolls wrapped around a savory filling of ground meat and rice, then slow-cooked in a tangy tomato broth. Hours of gentle simmering turn them into pure comfort.

A cornerstone of Balkan holiday tables, sarma is made in big pots meant to feed a crowd — and to taste even better over the following days. Serve with yogurt and fresh bread.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Core the cabbage and simmer the whole head in salted water for 10 minutes; peel off leaves as they soften and trim the thick ribs.
  2. Brown the beef and pork with the onion and garlic; stir in the rice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place a spoonful of filling on each leaf, fold in the sides, and roll into tight cylinders.
  4. Line a heavy pot with bacon and leftover cabbage, then pack the rolls in snug layers.
  5. Pour the tomato sauce and 2 cups of water over the rolls, top with bacon, and weight with a plate.
  6. Simmer covered over low heat for 2 1/2 hours, until the rolls are meltingly tender. Serve with yogurt.

💡 Chef tips & storage

The plate weighting the rolls keeps them submerged and cooking evenly. Sarma improves over days — reheat gently in its own sauce.

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Recipe details

Prep45 min
Cook2 hr 30 min
Servings8
CategoryBalkan Kitchen
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →