Sarma në Gjethe Rrushi ose Lakër (Kosovar Stuffed Grape/Cabbage Leaves with Mint) – Authentic Kosovo Recipe
Delicate Kosovar rolls simmered with sweet paprika and served with a dollop of cool garlic yogurt.
- Country of Origin
- 🇽🇰 Kosovo (Southern Europe, Europe)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 25 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Signature Staples
- Tender grape or cabbage leaves, Spiced minced beef and rice filling, Cool garlic yogurt, Dried mint, Sweet paprika
Ingredients for Sarma në Gjethe Rrushi ose Lakër (Kosovar Stuffed Grape/Cabbage Leaves with Mint) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) tender grape or cabbage leaves, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups spiced minced beef and rice filling, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup cool garlic yogurt
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with dried mint
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Kosovo seasoning (sweet paprika, flat-leaf parsley, black pepper)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Finely chop or mash tender grape or cabbage leaves and mix in a bowl with dried mint, sweet paprika, flat-leaf parsley, black pepper, and a pinch of salt to form a savory filling.
- Portion or fold the seasoned mixture with spiced minced beef and rice filling into neat traditional parcels, dumplings, or patties.
- Heat a heavy skillet with oil over medium heat or bring a steamer/broth pot to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the parcels for 12–15 minutes until tender and cooked through (crisping the bottoms in the skillet if desired).
- Spoon cool garlic yogurt generously over the top and serve warm.