Jul 13 2026

Sarma Recipe

Time2h
Serves4

Pork, Veal, Speck, Garlic, Rice, Pickle Broth.

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Ingredients

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Meat Mixture

Filling

Broth

Cabbage Leaves

Method

Preparation of Meat Mixture

  1. 1

    Prepare the Meat

    In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, ground veal, and diced speck. Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the meat mixture.

Preparation of Filling

  1. 2

    Cook the Rice

    Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, add the rice with double the amount of water, a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender, about 15 minutes.

  2. 3

    Sauté the Onion

    Finely chop the onion and sauté it in a bit of oil over medium heat until translucent. Allow to cool slightly before adding it to the meat mixture.

  3. 4

    Combine the Filling

    In the bowl with the meat mixture, add the cooked rice, sautéed onion, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well until thoroughly combined.

Stuffing Cabbage Leaves

  1. 5

    Prepare Cabbage Leaves

    Carefully separate the pickled cabbage leaves from the head, making sure not to tear them.

  2. 6

    Stuff the Leaves

    Take a spoonful of the meat and rice filling and place it at the base of a cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll it up tightly. Repeat until all the filling is used.

Cooking Sarma

  1. 7

    Prepare the Broth

    In a large pot, combine the pickle juice or broth with water and bring to a simmer.

  2. 8

    Cook the Sarma

    Layer any leftover cabbage leaves at the bottom of the pot for protection. Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls in the pot, seam side down. Pour the broth over the rolls, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 2 hours, or until the meat is cooked through.

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