Sarma (Balkan)
Sarma is a beloved Balkan dish consisting of fermented cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling, typically made with minced meat, rice, and aromatic spices. It's a staple in countries like Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia, often prepared for holidays and family gatherings.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Sarma is a hearty, balanced meal, providing a good mix of protein from the meat and carbohydrates from the rice and cabbage. A typical serving (one large roll) contains roughly 300-400 calories, along with fiber, iron, and vitamin C from the cabbage.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbs | 25 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Vitamin C | 25 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.8 mcg |
| Zinc | 4 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Phosphorus | 220 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 5 mg |
| Selenium | 18 mcg |
Per 2 rolls (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, sarma is a symbol of celebration and family unity, often cooked in large batches for festive occasions. The fermentation of the cabbage not only gives it a distinctive tangy flavor but also enhances its nutritional value by increasing beneficial probiotics.
🍽️ Related dishes
AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms