Sarma

Sarma, a traditional Turkish dish, is a delightful preparation of vine leaves stuffed with a savory blend of meat and spices. This Paleo version uses cauliflower rice, making it a healthier and grain-free alternative while retaining the authentic flavors of the dish.

Ingredients

• Vine leaves - 10 large leaves
• Ground beef - 200 grams
• Cauliflower - 200 grams (riced)
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Dried mint - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1/2 teaspoon
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Water - 200 milliliters

Steps

1. Rinse the vine leaves in cold water and set aside to drain.
2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
4. Stir in the riced cauliflower, tomato paste, dried mint, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for another 5 minutes, mixing well.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly. Stir in the lemon juice.
6. Place a vine leaf on a flat surface, shiny side down, and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the base of the leaf.
7. Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly from the base to the tip, forming a neat package. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
8. In a large pot, arrange the stuffed vine leaves seam-side down. Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 200 milliliters of water over the top.
9. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 30-35 minutes until the leaves are tender and the filling is cooked through.
10. Serve warm, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 15 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, supporting muscle health and repair.
• Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety.

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