Sinjski arambaši

Arambaši is a variety of sarma and a traditional dish from the Croatian city of Sinj. It consists of a combination of diced beef, onions, garlic, pork belly, and parsley. The combination is typically flavored with pepper, salt, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and grated lemon zest. This mixture is then wrapped in sour cabbage leaves and placed in a pot. Before cooking, arambaši are topped with chopped sour cabbage, beef bones, tomato juice, water, and various dried meat products. The name of the dish is derived from the Turkish words harami, meaning sinful or unacceptable, and başi, meaning commander or chief. It is traditionally served at festivities such as Easter or Christmas, but arambaši are especially popular during the feast of Velika Gospa (Assumption of Mary) and the popular equestrian competition known as Sinjska Alka.