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Vegan Cabbage Rolls (Macedonian Sarma)

Recipe by Padma Priya

Traditional Macedonian vegan cabbage rolls (sarma) made with fermented sour cabbage wrapped around a savory leek-and-rice filling, then slowly simmered until tender. A cozy, plant-based Balkan winter classic from my grandma’s kitchen.

  • Total Time3 hours 30 min
  • Yield6 servings (about 20 rolls) 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 whole sour (fermented) cabbage
  • 3 leeks
  • 1 1/2 cups rice
  • A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tbsp red pepper (sweet paprika)
  • 1 tbsp Vegeta (dry vegetable seasoning)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Sunflower or olive oil

Instructions

  • Chop the leeks and fry them gently for about 10 minutes on low heat. Add the paprika, Vegeta, salt, and pepper, then stir in the prewashed rice.
  • Let the rice cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Add a handful of chopped parsley, mix well, and remove the pan from the heat right away.
  • Separate the leaves from the sour cabbage and cut out the hard center rib from each leaf.
  • Lay 2 to 3 cabbage leaves on the bottom of a medium pot. Sprinkle with a little red pepper and oil.
  • Spread one cabbage leaf on a cutting board. Place a spoonful of filling in the center, fold in the left and right sides, then roll it up and place it seam-side down in the pot. Repeat until you have two rows of rolls.
  • Cover the rolls with a few more cabbage leaves and set a plate on top to keep them in place.
  • Pour warm water into the pan where the filling cooked, stir to lift all the flavor, and pour it over the rolls until the plate is covered. Press the plate a couple of times to release trapped air.
  • Cook on the stovetop for 3 hours on low heat. Let the cabbage rolls cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Sarma tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have melded. If you cannot find sour cabbage, use blanched fresh cabbage leaves and add a splash of sauerkraut brine or lemon juice for tang.

Nutrition is an estimate calculated from USDA FoodData Central values and will vary with brands and portion sizes.

  • Prep Time: 30 min
  • Cook Time: 3 hours

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 3 rolls)
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 790 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Find it online: https://gratefullyvegan.com/vegan-cabbage-rolls/