Sarma

Sarma is one of the most famous Balkan dishes. It is prepared from minced meat, rice, and spices, which are wrapped in pickled cabbage leaves.

The first step in preparing sarma is to prepare the cabbage leaves. The leaves need to be carefully separated, washed, and trimmed of thick parts.

Minced meat, usually beef or pork, is mixed with rice, finely chopped onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and other spices to taste.

The mixture is then placed on the cabbage leaves and carefully rolled into small rolls.

In a large pot, the sarma rolls are layered, with pieces of cured meat or bacon added in between for additional flavor.

Water or broth is poured over the sarma, and it is then cooked on low heat for several hours.

The best sarma is the one that cooks slowly until all the ingredients release their flavors and blend together.

Serve with mashed potatoes or homemade bread, with a side of sour cream.