20-Min Sarma — Balkan Cabbage Rolls
Tender cabbage and grape leaves stuffed with seasoned ground meat and rice, simmered in tomato broth until soft. A Balkan weeknight staple that tastes like it simmered for hours but comes together in 20 minutes.
- Total time
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 340
- Protein
- 22g
Ingredients
- ¾ lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked short-grain rice
- ½ head cabbage head, cored
- 8 leaves grape leaves, jarred
- 1.5 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Submerge cabbage head for 3 minutes until outer leaves soften; remove and peel off leaves carefully as they release.
- 2
Mix ground beef, cooked rice, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a bowl until just combined.
- 3
Place 2 tablespoons meat mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf and grape leaf; fold sides in, roll tightly from stem end. Arrange seam-side down in the same pot.
- 4
Pour crushed tomatoes and beef broth over the rolls; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5
Cover and simmer over medium heat for 12 minutes, until rolls are tender and broth has reduced slightly.
- 6
Serve hot in shallow bowls with broth spooned over; garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tools you’ll need
- large pot (6+ quart)
- mixing bowl
- slotted spoon
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