How Sarma Turns Friends Into Family: Thanksgiving Day Reflections

My story begins with a craving and a conversation starter. One September Sunday afternoon, we spent the day hiking up Mosor Mountain. The round-trip trek takes about five to six hours. It’s a great opportunity for a digital detox and provides the perfect setting for good conversation between friends.

After a while, with our stomachs getting hungry, we started talking about all things food. As we climbed, I causally asked my friend, “Diana, do you know how to make sarma?” That was all I had to ask. Diana was now on a mission. “I will make you homemade sarma.”

In Slavic countries, sarma, or stuffed cabbage rolls, is a very traditional dish. Making it homemade is a day-long process. It took a team of us working together for a common goal. We deemed it our “sarma party.”

Our morning started at the farmer’s market, buying sour cabbage and fresh parsley from a local vendor. We learned that using sour cabbage is preferred as it lends itself to a more flavorful dish.

We stopped at a local market, each buying something to contribute to the feast. Harry and I bought wine, of course.

Next, came the preparation of the sarma. Like chefs in a busy kitchen, our Croatian friends chopped. They stirred. They rolled. And I closely supervised. This was an art they passionately wanted to teach!

Just like Thanksgiving Day in the States, after a long day of food preparation, we all came together to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Before we enjoyed ourselves, we made sure to document our night with a group photo. Days like today are always difficult to be away from home, but these friends have stood in and have become like a second family to us. For that, we are grateful.

To everyone back home, today you are in our thoughts and we wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.

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