World Flavors Cookbook

Sarma (Stuffed Sour Cabbage)

The ultimate Croatian winter dish: fermented cabbage leaves stuffed with meat and rice, slow-cooked with smoked meats.

Cuisine: Croatia

Ingredients

• 1 whole head of sour cabbage (sauerkraut)
• 1kg ground pork and beef
• 150g rice
• Onions, garlic
• Smoked ribs, bacon, or sausages
• Paprika, peppercorns, bay leaf
• Tomato juice

Instructions

1. Wrap meat-rice mixture into individual sour cabbage leaves.
2. Layer extra shredded cabbage and smoked meats at the bottom of a large pot.
3. Pack the sarma rolls tightly over the base.
4. Cover with water and tomato juice.
5. Simmer on low heat for at least 3 hours. It is best when reheated the next day.