Lahana Sarması (Cabbage Rolls) Recipe

Preparation

1. Peel off and discard the first 3-4 layers of cabbage,
2. Then separate all the remaining leaves,
3. Boil in water until fully softened,
4. Sauté the finely chopped onion in butter / olive oil mixture,
5. Add the tomato paste and paprika and stir for 2 mins,
6. Add the rice and stir for 1-2 mins,
7. Add 2 cups of water, mint, red pepper flakes and salt to taste,
8. Cook on low heat (lid on) until all the water is absorbed,
9. Drain the cabbage leaves and blanch in cold water,
10. Discard any parts with thick hard veins,
11. Put some of the filling inside each leaf and roll,
12. Lay one cabbage leaf inside the pot you are going to cook the cabbage rolls in,
13. Place all the stuffed cabbage leaves on top,
14. In a saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil, add the tomato paste and stir for 2 mins,
15. Pour this over the cabbage rolls in the pot,
16. Put another cabbage leaf on top,
17. Put enough water to submerge the cabbage rolls and cook on low heat until most of the water is absorbed.