Kosovo Sarma is a traditional dish featuring tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of minced meat and rice. This delightful Balkan specialty is carefully prepared by wrapping the flavorful filling in blanched cabbage leaves, then simmering them to perfection. The dish is typically served with a dollop of tangy yogurt on the side, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Each bite offers a comforting blend of meat, rice, and the subtle sweetness of cabbage, complemented by the creamy texture of yogurt. Kosovo Sarma showcases the rich culinary heritage of the region and is a beloved dish for gatherings and family meals.

Ingredients:

  - 1 large head of cabbage 

  - 500g minced meat (beef or a mixture of beef and pork) 

  - 1 cup rice (long-grain or medium-grain) 

  - 1 large onion, finely chopped 

  - 2-3 cloves garlic, minced 

  - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 

  - 1 teaspoon paprika 

  - 1 teaspoon dried thyme 

  - Salt and pepper, to taste 

  - 2 tablespoons tomato paste 

  - 1 liter (4 cups) beef or vegetable broth 

  - 1 cup plain yogurt, for serving 

  - Chopped fresh parsley or dill, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:

- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

- Carefully remove the core of the cabbage with a knife.

- Place the whole cabbage head in the boiling water and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the outer leaves become soft and pliable.

- Remove the cabbage from the water and carefully peel off the softened outer leaves. Return the cabbage to the water as needed to soften more leaves. Set the leaves aside to cool.

2- Prepare the Filling:

- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

- Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and golden.

- Add the minced meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

- Stir in the rice, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool slightly.

3- Assemble the Sarma:

- Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat and rice filling near the base of the leaf.

- Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up tightly into a neat parcel.

- Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.

4- Cook the Sarma:

- In a large pot or Dutch oven, arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls seam side down.

- Mix the tomato paste with the beef or vegetable broth and pour it over the cabbage rolls.

- Place a plate or a smaller lid on top of the rolls to keep them submerged in the liquid.

- Bring the pot to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low.

- Cover the pot and simmer gently for about 45-60 minutes, or until the cabbage rolls are tender and the rice is cooked.

5- Serve:

- Carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the pot and arrange them on a serving platter.

- Spoon some of the cooking liquid over the rolls.

- Serve hot, accompanied by a dollop of plain yogurt on the side.

- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Kosovo Sarma with yogurt as a delightful main course!

Nutritional Values :

Here's the nutritional information and benefits of each ingredient:

Cabbage (1 large head):

- Calories:Approximately 227

- Carbohydrates:About 53 grams

- Fiber:Around 14 grams

- Protein:Roughly 12 grams

- Fat:Approximately 1 gram

- Vitamin C:Provides over 220% of the Daily Value (DV)

- Vitamin K:Provides over 850% of the DV

Benefits:

- Rich in Vitamin C, supporting the immune system and promoting healthy skin.

- High in Vitamin K, important for bone health and blood clotting.

- Contains fiber, aiding digestion and promoting fullness.

Minced Meat (500g, beef/pork mixture):

- Calories:Approximately 1125

- Protein:Around 95 grams

- Fat:About 75 grams

- Iron:Provides about 14% of the DV

- Zinc:Provides about 86% of the DV

Benefits:

- Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

- Contains iron, crucial for transporting oxygen in the blood.

- Provides zinc, important for immune function and wound healing.

Rice (1 cup, cooked):

- Calories:Approximately 205

- Carbohydrates:About 45 grams

- Protein:Roughly 4 grams

- Fiber:Around 1 gram

Benefits:

- Good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body.

- Contains B vitamins, including B6, which supports metabolism and brain function.

Onion (1 large):

- Calories:Approximately 60

- Carbohydrates:About 14 grams

  - Fiber: Around 3 grams

- Vitamin C:Provides about 20% of the DV

- Vitamin B6:Provides about 10% of the DV

Benefits:

- Contains antioxidants, such as quercetin, which may have anti-inflammatory effects.

- Rich in Vitamin C, supporting immune health and collagen production.

- Provides fiber, promoting digestive health.

Garlic (2-3 cloves):

- Calories:Approximately 10-15

- Carbohydrates:About 3 grams

- Fiber:Around 0.2 grams

- Vitamin C:Provides about 3% of the DV

Benefits:

- Known for its immune-boosting properties due to its sulfur-containing compounds.

- Contains antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

- May have antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

- Calories:Approximately 240

- Fat:About 28 grams

Benefits:

- Provides healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

- Source of Vitamin E, an antioxidant important for skin health.

- Can help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A and D.

Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons):

- Calories:Approximately 30

- Carbohydrates:About 7 grams

- Fiber:Around 1 gram

- Vitamin A:Provides about 10% of the DV

- Vitamin C:Provides about 4% of the DV

Benefits:

- Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

- Contains Vitamin A, important for vision and immune function.

- Provides Vitamin C, supporting skin health and immunity.

Yogurt (1 cup, plain):

- Calories:Approximately 150

- Protein:Roughly 8 grams

- Carbohydrates: About 11 grams

- Fat: Around 8 grams

- Calcium:Provides about 30% of the DV

- Vitamin B12:Provides about 18% of the DV

Benefits:

- Excellent source of calcium, essential for bone health.

- Contains probiotics, beneficial bacteria that support gut health and digestion.

- Good source of protein, important for muscle health and satiety.

Note:

- The nutritional values provided are approximate and based on standard USDA data.

- Actual values may vary based on specific brands, cooking methods, and ingredient variations.

- For a complete nutritional profile of the dish, you can add up the values based on the quantities used in the recipe. Adjustments may be needed based on specific dietary requirements and preferences.