Futoška Sarma with a Twist

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cabbage 1 large head of cabbage
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup (200g) rice, cooked 1 cup (200g) rice, cooked
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups (470ml) tomato sauce 2 cups (470ml) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and blanch them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened. Remove and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, cooked rice, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. 4.
   Take a blanched cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center. Roll the leaf tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
5. 5.
   In a large oven-safe pot or casserole dish, spread a layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls in the pot, seam side down. Pour the remaining tomato sauce and beef broth over the rolls.
6. 6.
   Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the cabbage rolls are tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Serve the Futoška Sarma hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cabbage — Be careful when removing the outer leaves to avoid tearing. Blanching the leaves will make them more pliable for rolling.
• Smoked paprika — Use high-quality smoked paprika for a robust and smoky flavor.
• Tomato sauce — Opt for a tomato sauce with no added sugar for a healthier option.
• Ground beef and pork — Choose lean cuts of meat for a healthier version of this dish.
• Fresh parsley — Chop the parsley just before serving to retain its vibrant color and fresh taste.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can blanch the cabbage leaves in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat mixture.
• Serve the Futoška Sarma with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
• Leftover Futoška Sarma tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
• This dish freezes well, so you can make a larger batch and store individual portions for future meals.

Serving advice

Serve the Futoška Sarma as a main course accompanied by crusty bread or mashed potatoes. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley. Drizzle some of the tomato sauce from the pot over the rolls for an appetizing presentation.