Sarma Stuffed Cabbage Leaves From Dalmatia Recipe

Experience the rich flavors of Dalmatia with this family-favorite Sarma recipe! Highly recommended by a Serbian friend, this hearty stuffed cabbage roll dish is a culinary tradition passed down through generations. The tender cabbage leaves are expertly filled with a savory blend of ground meats, rice, and aromatic spices, then simmered to perfection in a flavorful tomato broth. Prepare for rave reviews – this is a recipe your family will beg you to make again and again!

Prep Time 60 mins
Cook Time 150 mins
Calories 916.9 kcal
Protein 102g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Sarma Stuffed Cabbage Leaves From Dalmatia 22

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Sarma Stuffed Cabbage Leaves From Dalmatia

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How to Make Sarma Stuffed Cabbage Leaves From Dalmatia

  1. Remove any wilted or bruised outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut out the hard core from the bottom of the cabbage.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully submerge the cabbage in the boiling water for 3-5 minutes, or until the leaves are softened enough to separate easily. Remove and drain.
  3. While the cabbage is softening, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the beaten egg, salt, pepper, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, ground beef, ground pork (or ham), and half of the crushed tomatoes.
  6. Stir in the cooked bacon, rice, and mix thoroughly to combine.
  7. Gently separate the cabbage leaves. Drain well.
  8. Place a heaping tablespoon of the meat mixture onto the base of each cabbage leaf. Roll up carefully, tucking in the sides and the ends to create tight rolls.
  9. Place the cabbage rolls seam-down in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot.
  10. Chop any small, unused cabbage leaves and place them on top of the rolls.
  11. Pour the remaining crushed tomatoes and their juices over the cabbage rolls. Add enough water to cover the rolls completely.
  12. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked through.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

17 g

Sugar

17g

Fat

92g

Carbs

17g