Sarma (Bez Riže)
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (No Rice, Extra Meat Filling)
Yes, with a tweak: request 'bez riže' (without rice) in the filling. About 9g net carbs per serving, on the higher side for Montenegrin food, so watch the portion.
What it is
Fermented cabbage leaves wrapped around a filling of ground meat (beef/pork), onions, and spices, slow-cooked in a flavorful broth, often with smoked meats. Modified to omit rice.
Key ingredients
Sour cabbage leaves, ground beef/pork, onion, smoked pork ribs/bacon, spices, paprika, tomato paste (optional).
How to make it keto
Crucially, request 'bez riže' (without rice) in the filling. The cabbage itself is keto-friendly. Confirm no other starch is used in the sauce or filling, and ensure a generous portion of meat.
Say this to the waiter (Serbian)
Sarma bez riže u punjenju, molim. Nema li drugog skroba u sosu ili punjenju? I da li može izdašnija porcija mesa?
Sarma bez riže u punjenju, molim. Nema drugog skroba u sosu ili punjenju? I da li može izdašnija porcija mesa?
Watch out for
Rice is a primary component of the traditional filling. Tomato paste can contain sugar; onions contribute carbs. Often served with a side of potatoes or bread.
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.
More on the Montenegrin menuAll 722 Montenegrin dishes ›
