Vegan Sarma Recipe: Easy and Delicious Plant-Based Dish

If you’re craving a comforting dish that’s both hearty and packed with vibrant flavors, look no further than this vegan sarma recipe. Sarma, a beloved traditional dish popular across the Balkans and the Middle East, typically involves cabbage leaves stuffed with seasoned meat and rice.

However, our vegan take reinvents this classic by using wholesome plant-based ingredients that deliver a delightful taste and texture, making it perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to explore meatless meals.

This recipe combines tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of rice, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, simmered in a rich tomato sauce that ties the dish all together. It’s a wonderful option for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Not only is this vegan sarma delicious and comforting, but it’s also a celebration of tradition with a compassionate twist. Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful dish right in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan sarma recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a traditional comfort food without any meat or dairy. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

• Hearty and satisfying: The combination of rice, mushrooms, and walnuts gives the filling a rich texture and depth of flavor.
• Plant-based and healthy: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this dish supports a balanced vegan lifestyle.
• Make-ahead friendly: Sarma tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
• Gluten-free adaptable: Simply substitute the rice with quinoa or gluten-free grains to suit your dietary needs.
• Impressive yet easy: While it looks elegant, the steps are straightforward and perfect for cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of green cabbage (about 2-3 pounds)
• 1 cup long-grain rice (washed and drained)
• 2 cups mushrooms (finely chopped)
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Equipment

• Large pot for blanching cabbage
• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet or frying pan
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Large baking dish or deep pot for cooking sarma
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil or a lid for baking pot

Instructions

1. Prepare the cabbage leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully separate the cabbage leaves, aiming for about 20 large, intact leaves. Blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until pliable. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. Cook the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook until softened, about 7-8 minutes.
3. Add rice and seasonings: Stir in the washed rice, tomato paste, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, then add 1 cup of vegetable broth. Lower the heat and simmer until the rice is half-cooked, approximately 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped walnuts and parsley. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Assemble the sarma: Lay a cabbage leaf flat, trim the thick vein at the bottom if needed for easier rolling. Place about 2 tablespoons of filling near the stem end. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly, like a burrito. Repeat with all leaves and filling.
5. Layer and cook: In a large baking dish or heavy pot, arrange a layer of leftover trimmed cabbage leaves or a few whole leaves to prevent sticking. Place sarma rolls seam side down in a snug layer. Pour the crushed tomatoes over the sarma and add the remaining vegetable broth. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle red pepper flakes if using.
6. Simmer or bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours, or simmer on the stovetop gently for the same amount of time, until cabbage is tender and filling is cooked through.
7. Rest and serve: Let the sarma rest covered for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Tips & Variations

For an extra burst of flavor, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or smoked tofu to the filling. If you prefer a nut-free version, substitute walnuts with toasted pumpkin seeds or omit entirely.

• Use savoy cabbage for a milder, more delicate leaf texture.
• Add cooked lentils or chickpeas to the filling for added protein.
• Try serving sarma with a vegan bechamel sauce — a creamy twist you can find in our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze well for future meals.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan sarma pairs beautifully with a light, refreshing salad—think crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. A side of creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables also complements the savory rolls wonderfully.

For an authentic touch, serve with a dollop of vegan yogurt or cashew cream mixed with garlic and dill. You can also explore more vibrant vegan side dishes like those featured in our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals to make a complete, nourishing feast.

Conclusion

This vegan sarma recipe is a wonderful bridge between tradition and contemporary plant-based cooking. It brings all the warmth, heartiness, and complex flavors you expect from sarma while embracing wholesome, cruelty-free ingredients.

Whether you’re enjoying it for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests with its beautiful presentation, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Don’t forget to experiment with different fillings or sauces to make it your own. And if you love exploring vegan recipes, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet treat or try our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to bake fresh bread to accompany your sarma.

Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious vegan sarma!

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