Low Carb Traditional Sarma

Delight in the comforting flavors of a classic Balkan dish with this Low Carb Traditional Sarma. Perfectly tender fermented cabbage leaves are wrapped around a savory filling of ground beef, ground pork, and cauliflower rice, spiced with paprika, thyme, and fresh parsley. This low-carb twist on the beloved recipe swaps traditional rice for cauliflower rice, making it a guilt-free option for keto or low-carb diets. The cabbage rolls are simmered to perfection in a rich tomato sauce that's infused with garlic and vegetable stock, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. With just 30 minutes of prep and a long, slow cook, this hearty and satisfying meal is worth the wait. Serve it warm for a cozy, low-carb dinner that’s both traditional and innovative!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 leaves fermented cabbage leaves (sauerkraut leaves)
• 500 grams ground beef
• 250 grams ground pork
• 200 grams cauliflower rice
• 1 medium (finely diced) onion
• 2 cloves (minced) garlic cloves
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons (chopped) parsley
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 400 grams crushed tomatoes
• 500 milliliters vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the cabbage leaves by rinsing them thoroughly if they are too salty. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel and set aside.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cauliflower rice, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, parsley, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 3

Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface, vein side down. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture onto one end of the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll tightly, starting from the filling side. Repeat this process for all cabbage leaves.

Step 4

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.

Step 5

Add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable stock to the pot, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6

Carefully nestle the cabbage rolls seam side down into the tomato sauce. If needed, layer the Sarma rolls, ensuring they are snug in the pot.

Step 7

Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the Sarma gently for about 90 minutes, occasionally basting the rolls with the sauce.

Step 8

Once cooked, carefully remove the Sarma from the pot. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired. Enjoy your low-carb version of this comforting traditional dish!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2737.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2766.1

Total Fat 183.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 62.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.1g
Cholesterol 798.5mg	0%
Sodium 8242.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 114.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 39.2g	0%
Total Sugars 46.3g
Protein 182.1g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 588.5mg	0%
Iron 29.6mg	0%
Potassium 5200.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.2%

Protein: 25.7%

Carbs: 16.2%