As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Sarma Savory Croatian Cabbage Rolls Perfect for Family Dinners
Hearty Sarma Savory Croatian Cabbage Rolls stuffed with spiced beef, pork, and rice. Baked in tomato soup and served with yogurt and coriander sauce.
Easy Oven-Baked Croatian Sarma
Why you will love and enjoy Sarma Savory Croatian Cabbage Rolls:
- Loads of flavor with spiced beef, pork, and tender cabbage.
- Oven-baked with a creamy yogurt coriander sauce that’s easy to whip up.
Sarma Savory Croatian Cabbage Rolls
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Marinate: 48 hours
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 49 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings depending on size 1x
- Method: Easy baking
- Cuisine: Croatian
Description
Easy Homemade Sarma Savory Croatian Cabbage Rolls. These baked cabbage rolls are stuffed with spiced meat and rice, cooked in tomato soup, and served with fresh yogurt and coriander sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
Sarma:
- 1 head of cabbage
- 1.1 lb – 500 g beef mince (or lamb)
- 0.44 lb – 200 g minced pork (or mix with beef or all lamb)
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 1 tsp celery seed
- 1 tsp Vegetta (Croatian spice) or substitute Aromat
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp mixed herbs
- 2 cans of tomato soup
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp kosher salt (for brining)
Yogurt and Coriander Sauce:
- 0.85 cup – 200 ml plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 spring onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped coriander
- Salt and ground black pepper
Instructions
- Remove the core from 1 head of cabbage.
- Submerge it in a pot of lukewarm water with 2 tbsp kosher salt. Leave it for 2 days, turning occasionally so it brines evenly.
- Heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a pot.
- Add 500 g beef mince and 200 g minced pork, breaking it up with a fork until it changes color.
- Stir in 2 chopped garlic cloves, 1 diced onion, and 1 cup grated carrot. Fry until tender.
- Add 1 tsp celery seed, 1 tsp Vegetta, 1 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp mixed herbs. Fry for a minute until fragrant.
- Mix in 2 cups of cooked rice and 3/4 of 1 can of tomato soup.
- Cook until most of the liquid is absorbed and the mixture is fairly dry.
- Carefully separate the cabbage leaves. Trim the tough stem tip with a sharp knife.
- Place 2–3 tbsp of the mince-rice mixture near the open end of each leaf. Fold the sides over and roll tightly.
- Pour a little tomato soup into the bottom of a large casserole dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam side down.
- Pour the remaining tomato soup over the top to cover.
- Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 180⁰C (360⁰F) for about 1 hour.
- In a bowl, mix 200 ml plain yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 chopped spring onions, 1/4 cup coriander, and salt & pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
- Spoon sauce over cabbage rolls or serve on the side. Enjoy a hearty, comforting Croatian meal.
Homemade cabbage rolls full of flavor. Cozy dinner made easy with spiced mince and rice
Sarma Savory Croatian Cabbage Rolls deliver rich, hearty flavor in every bite. The tender cabbage, spiced beef and pork filling, and creamy yogurt coriander sauce make it a comforting, satisfying meal you’ll want to serve again and again. Perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or anytime you crave flavor that feels homemade.
Thanks for dropping in and checking out the recipes and what’s on offer.
Thanks for dropping in and checking out the recipes and what’s on offer.
If you try out this delightful recipe, please let me know, rate it, and tag me on Instagram at @_esmesalon. I’m excited to see your amazing recreations, and I’m hooked on those mouthwatering photos!
We happily share our tasty and fantastic recipes and are excited to spread some love by sharing our posts at these awesome Linky Parties.
Copyright © 2026 esmesalon.com – All rights reserved.
Thank you Esme, one of my features for SSPS 399!
Mwah, you’re amazing Melynda, thanks for the feature.
This reminds me of the Eastern European Halupki I make. This sounds right up my alley and those spices mmm.
Hi Paula, thanks for popping in, and hope you will give this a go as well. Love to hear your verdict. Enjoy it