-
Lana Mihajlović to Sol Damiani
2 months ago (edited)
Level:
Scoolinar
As I promised, chef @soldamiani, today I bring you the story of my favorite dish – Sarma.
Today, the house was filled with the scent of tradition. With love that isn’t measured in words, but in hands carefully wrapping fermented cabbage leaves, with warmth spreading from the oven as the pogača bakes under its golden crust.
Sarma is more than just a dish – it’s a story told through fingertips, a memory of kitchens where our grandmothers once worked silently, while voices and laughter intertwined in the background. This time, Sarma simmered slowly, patiently, for a full ten hours in the Slow Cooker, allowing the fermented cabbage to release its deep, tangy aroma while embracing the rich filling. As if the hours had transformed into warmth, into softness, into that deep flavor that comforts the soul.
And the pogača… fragrant, soft, rich. When I took it out of the oven, it felt as if I could hear echoes of the past, when such loaves were baked as a sign of joy, a welcome to loved ones at the table. There is no warmth like the one felt when breaking pogača and sharing it – because in that act, it’s not just the bread that is shared, but the very soul of the home.
Today, everything was in perfect harmony: scent, flavor, memory, and the present moment. Sarma and pogača – a simple feast, yet an entire world within it.
Orsolya Csernák, Sol Damiani and Mercedes Delgado de Miguel6 Comments-
Level:
Scoolinary Team
OMG! I knew I wanted to see this, but I didn’t realize how much my soul *craved* it until now! 🤯
Thanks for indulging me (us all) with this masterpiece—it’s not just food, it’s poetry on a plate, Chef. The way you talk about Sarma and pogača, it feels like you’re not just cooking, you’re time-traveling, weaving history into every fold and crumb.
I’m curious—after 10 hours of slow cooking, do you notice a distinct difference in texture or depth of flavor compared to a more traditional method? 🔥
1-
Level:
Scoolinar
Chef, I’m glad you like the way it looks, and I hope you’ll try it soon. In Greece and Turkey there are versions of sarma in vine leaves and I advise you to try it. It’s a totally different experience.
When I cook sarma in a slow cooker, the meat and cabbage become incredibly tender and melt in your mouth. The flavors gradually blend together, and the smoked meat releases its full aroma. The best part is that I don’t have to watch over it. It simmers gently for ten hours without the risk of burning or losing too much liquid.
Of course, the oven has its advantages. Sarma develops a richer sauce and can get a slight crust, adding extra texture. On the other hand, stovetop cooking gives a different result, as sarma slowly simmers in liquid, staying completely juicy. Interestingly, in Croatia, it is traditionally cooked on the stovetop, while in Serbia, it is more commonly baked in the oven, so it all comes down to personal preference.
For me, the slow cooker combines the best of both worlds. Deep, infused flavors and perfect tenderness, without the hassle of constant monitoring. And if I ever want that slight crust from the oven, I simply pop it in for a short bake at the end to get the perfect balance. ☺️
1-
Level:
Scoolinary Team
-
-
-
Level:
Scoolinary Team
What a beautiful description, Lana! You can truly feel the love and tradition you put into every step of preparing both the sarma and the pogača.
It’s fascinating how you managed to cook the sarma slowly for 10 hours; that patience and care must have allowed the flavors to develop beautifully. What kind of filling did you use for the sarma? Do you usually make it with meat, rice, or any special ingredient?
Thank you for sharing such an inspiring story!
1-
Level:
Scoolinar
@Sussan Estela Olaya When I make sarma, I usually go for the classic version with ground meat and rice, seasoned with onion, salt, pepper, and paprika. The sour cabbage gives it a unique aroma, while smoked meat or bacon adds extra depth of flavor.
There is also a vegetarian (fasting) version, traditionally prepared during Orthodox fasting periods or for Serbian slava (a family feast celebrating the patron saint, unique to Serbian tradition) when a meat-free meal is required.
-
Level:
Scoolinary Team
@lanamihajlovic I love how you describe both versions of sarma. The combination of ground meat and rice with the unique touch of sour cabbage and the depth of bacon sounds delicious and comforting. Additionally, the vegetarian version shows how versatile this dish can be, adapting to traditions and special celebrations like the Serbian slava. It’s a great example of how a dish can be as rich in flavor as it is in cultural significance. ❤️
1
-
-
-
