Sarma (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Sarma (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Serves 6

1 large head cabbage
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground ham
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 onion, finely chopped
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1 pound sauerkraut
1 cup tomato juice
water to cover

Place cabbage in the freezer for a few days. The night before making the rolls, take it out to thaw.

In a large bowl, combine the beef, pork, ham, rice, onion, egg, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix well. Form meat mixture into oblong balls, using 1/2 cup of the mixture at a time. Then, wrap a cabbage leaf around each ball.

Spread the sauerkraut in the bottom of a large pot, then layer cabbage rolls on top, placing them seam-side down. Pour tomato juice over rolls, then add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 3 hours, adding more water as necessary.

Tasting Notes: Try boiling cabbage leaves in salted water with added vinegar. Try adding dill, marjoram, paprika. Rinse kraut so it will not overpower the dish. Use orzo, Arborio, or barley instead of regular rice. Can add bacon to meat mixture. Can add ham hock or sausage to pot for added flavor. Serve with salted cucumbers. Can utilize crock pot for cooking instead.

Unstuffed Cabbage

Unstuffed Cabbage

Serves 6 to 8

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 to 2 pounds lean ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small cabbage, chopped
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon cider vinegar or wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
dash nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion and cook, stirring, until ground beef is no longer pink and onion is tender.

Add the garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute.

Add the chopped cabbage, tomatoes, tomato sauce, vinegar, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until cabbage is tender.

Boiled Cabbage with Bacon

Boiled Cabbage with Bacon

Serves 6

4 to 6 thick slices bacon, diced, about 6 to 8 ounces
1 large sweet onion, coarsely chopped
1 medium head of cabbage
1/2 to 1 cup chicken broth or water, as needed
salt and pepper, to taste

In a large Dutch oven or deep saute pan, cook the diced bacon until cooked through but not crisp. With a slotted spoon, remove the bacon pieces to paper towels to drain; set aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the pot.

Add the chopped onion to the bacon drippings and cook, stirring, over medium heat until tender and lightly browned. This will take about 4 to 5 minutes.

Coarsely chop the cabbage. Add the chopped cabbage to the browned onions and add 1/2 cup of chicken broth.

Cover the pot tightly and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add more broth or water, if needed, and cook for about 5 to 10 minutes longer, or until the cabbage is tender. Add the bacon pieces and stir. Heat through.

Tasting Notes: Serve this great-tasting side dish with ham, a pork roast, chicken, or roast beef.