Lahana Sarma Recipe – Turkey Special
Lahana Sarma is a classic Turkish dish that features tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, ground meat (usually beef or lamb), onions, and aromatic herbs. These rolls are then simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, which infuses the cabbage and filling with a rich, comforting taste. Lahana Sarma is often enjoyed as a main course or a side dish, especially during the colder months, as it’s hearty and satisfying. With its combination of tender cabbage, savory filling, and zesty sauce, Lahana Sarma is a beloved dish in Turkish households, showcasing the flavors and traditions of Turkish home cooking.
- Prep Time45 min
- Cook Time1 hr 30 min
- Total Time2 hr 15 min
Turkish White Bean Salad Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
- 1/2 cup rice (washed)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1/2 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (optional, to help bind the filling)
For the Cooking Sauce:
- 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup water (or more if needed)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for a tangy flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley (for garnish)
How to make Lahana Sarma :
Prepare the Cabbage:Carefully remove the cabbage leaves by cutting around the base of the cabbage and gently pulling off the leaves. You’ll need about 12-14 large leaves. If the leaves are tough, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened, then transfer them to a bowl of cold water to cool. Pat dry with a towel.
Prepare the Filling:In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked onions with the ground meat, rice, paprika, cumin (if using), thyme, egg (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well-combined.
Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:Place a cabbage leaf flat on a surface, with the stem facing you. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture onto the center of the leaf. Fold in the sides of the leaf and roll tightly to enclose the filling.
Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling. If you have leftover filling, you can make smaller rolls or freeze the extra filling for later use.
Prepare the Cooking Sauce:In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, olive oil, lemon juice (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Cook the Cabbage Rolls:Layer the bottom of a large pot with a few unused or torn cabbage leaves to prevent the rolls from sticking to the bottom. Arrange the cabbage rolls tightly in the pot, seam-side down. Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the rolls, ensuring they are mostly covered. Add a bit more water if needed.
Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, checking occasionally to make sure the rolls are not drying out. Add more water or broth if necessary.
Serve:Once the cabbage rolls are cooked through and the rice is tender, remove from heat. Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill or parsley. Lahana Sarma is often enjoyed with a side of yogurt or a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Recipe Notes:
Cabbage Preparation:If you have trouble peeling the cabbage leaves, you can place the whole head of cabbage in the freezer for a couple of hours. Once it’s frozen, the leaves will come off more easily. Alternatively, blanching the leaves in boiling water softens them, making them easier to roll.
Rice:It’s important to use washed, uncooked rice for the filling, as it will cook through during the simmering process. Avoid pre-cooked or instant rice, as it could become mushy.
Meat Options:You can use a mix of beef and lamb for a richer flavor, or substitute ground chicken or turkey for a leaner version. Adjust the seasoning if using lean meat, as it might need extra flavor.
Cooking Sauce:The tomato sauce is key to adding moisture and flavor to the rolls. If you prefer a richer sauce, you can add a spoonful of tomato paste and some broth to make the sauce more savory.
Serving Suggestions:Lahana Sarma is delicious on its own, but it’s traditionally served with a side of plain yogurt or a fresh salad. The cool yogurt complements the richness of the cabbage rolls perfectly.
