Indulge in the rich flavors of Croatian cuisine with Sarma, a traditional dish that captivates the senses. Sarma, meaning "rolled cabbage" in Croatian, features tender cabbage leaves carefully filled with a savory blend of ground meat, rice, onions, and aromatic spices, all simmered to perfection in a hearty tomato sauce. This beloved dish embodies the essence of Croatian home cooking, offering a comforting taste of tradition with every bite. Whether enjoyed as a hearty main course during festive gatherings or as a comforting meal on a cozy evening, Croatian Sarma promises a culinary experience that delights and satisfies.

Here's a traditional recipe for Croatian Sarma:

Ingredients:

For the cabbage rolls:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 500g ground meat (a mixture of beef and pork works well)
• 1 cup rice, rinsed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

For the tomato-based sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1- Prepare the cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place it in the boiling water. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the outer leaves are tender and can be easily peeled off. Remove the cabbage from the pot and let it cool slightly. Peel off the individual leaves, trying to keep them intact. Trim the tough center rib from each leaf.

2- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, rinsed rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, sweet paprika, salt, black pepper, thyme, marjoram, and allspice. Mix until well combined.

3- Assemble the cabbage rolls: Place a spoonful of the filling mixture onto the center of each cabbage leaf. Roll up the leaf, tucking in the sides as you go, to form a neat roll.

4- Prepare the sauce: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato passata or crushed tomatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, sweet paprika, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

5- Arrange the cabbage rolls in the pot, seam side down, on top of the sauce. Make sure the rolls are snugly packed together.

6- Cook the Sarma: Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the cabbage rolls are tender and the filling is cooked through. Check occasionally and add more broth or water if the sauce reduces too much.

7- Serve the Sarma hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this hearty Croatian dish with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Croatian Sarma recipe:

Cabbage (1 large head):

• Calories: 227
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 16g

benefits:

• High in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health.
• Rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and supports collagen production for healthy skin.
• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Ground meat (500g, mixture of beef and pork):

• Calories: 1250
• Protein: 88g
• Fat: 95g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• High in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health.
• Rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and supports collagen production for healthy skin.
• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• Excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Provides essential amino acids necessary for various bodily functions.
• Contains iron and zinc, important minerals for maintaining healthy blood and immune function.

Rice (1 cup, rinsed):

• Calories: 206
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body.
• Contains B vitamins, such as thiamine and niacin, which are important for metabolism and energy production.
• Provides some minerals like magnesium and phosphorus, essential for bone health and enzyme function.

Onion (2 medium-sized):

• Calories: 44
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
• Contains prebiotic fibers that nourish beneficial gut bacteria, promoting digestive health.
• May help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Garlic (4 cloves):

• Calories: 18
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Has antimicrobial properties that may help fight infections and support immune function.
• Contains compounds like allicin, which have been linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
• May have anti-inflammatory effects and contribute to improved bone health.

Olive oil (4 tablespoons total):

• Calories: 477
• Fat: 54g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol levels.
• Contains antioxidants, such as vitamin E and polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
• May help improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Sweet paprika (2 tablespoons total):

• Calories: 36
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism and promote weight loss.
• Rich in vitamin A, which is essential for vision health and immune function.
• Has antioxidant properties that may protect against cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried marjoram, ground allspice (seasonings used in small amounts, negligible calorie contribution)

Tomato passata or crushed tomatoes (2 cups):

• Calories: 76
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits:

• Excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant associated with reduced risk of certain cancers, particularly prostate cancer.
• Contains vitamin C, which supports immune function and collagen production.
• Provides potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function.

Vegetable or chicken broth (1 cup):

• Calories: 38
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Low in calories and fat, making it a healthy base for soups and sauces.
• Contains vitamins and minerals extracted from vegetables or chicken bones, such as vitamin A, calcium, and magnesium.
• Helps add flavor and depth to dishes without the need for added salt or unhealthy fats.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands, cooking methods, and ingredient substitutions.