Sarma (assyrian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)
Sarma is a traditional Assyrian dish that consists of delicious cabbage rolls stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, ground meat, and aromatic spices. This dish is a labor of love, but the end result is well worth the effort. It's perfect for a special occasion or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 cup of uncooked rice
- 1 pound of ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups of tomato sauce
- 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and blanch them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they are pliable. Remove and set aside to cool.
- In a bowl, combine the uncooked rice, ground meat, onion, garlic, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Place a spoonful of the meat and rice mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll it up, tucking in the sides as you go.
- Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam side down in a large pot. Pour the tomato sauce and broth over the rolls.
- Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 1.5-2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
Cooking & Preparation
- Preparation time:
- 30 minutes
- Cooking time:
- 2 hours
- Total time:
- 2 hours
- Cooking method
- Stovetop
Nutritional facts per 1 serving
- Calories
- 300 per serving
- Carbohydrates
- 25g
- Protein
- 15g
- Fat
- 15g
Supplies
Large pot Bowl Knife Cutting board
Tools
Stove Spoon Cooking pot with lid
Serving suggestions
Serve the sarma hot, garnished with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It pairs well with a side of tabbouleh salad and warm pita bread.
Tips & tricks
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils and mushrooms for a delicious meat-free alternative.
Cost
$15