🧅🥩 Ćevapi (Grilled Minced Meat Sausages)

 


Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rest Time: 1–12 hours (optional, for flavor)
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Servings: 4–6

🥩 Ingredients:

For the Ćevapi:

  • 500g ground beef (preferably chuck, 80/20 lean/fat ratio)

  • 250g ground lamb (or veal)

  • 250g ground pork (optional, for juiciness – not traditional in all regions)

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated

  • 1 tsp baking soda (for tenderness)

  • 1½ tsp fine sea salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp paprika (optional)

  • ¼ cup sparkling mineral water or plain cold water (adds lightness)

  • Optional: A touch of beef stock powder for umami

For Serving:

  • Lepinja (flatbread, soft and chewy)

  • Finely chopped raw onion

  • Ajvar (pepper-based condiment)

  • Sour cream (optional)

  • Sliced tomato and cucumber (optional)

🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture

  • In a large bowl, combine all the ground meats.

  • Add garlic, salt, pepper, baking soda, paprika (if using), and water.

  • Mix thoroughly by hand or with a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for at least 5–7 minutes, until the mixture becomes sticky and emulsified.

2. Rest the Mixture

  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.

3. Shape the Ćevapi

  • With wet hands, form small sausages about 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) long and about ¾ inch thick.

  • You should get around 20–25 pieces depending on size.

4. Grill the Ćevapi

  • Preheat a grill, grill pan, or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Lightly oil the surface if needed.

  • Grill ćevapi for 3–4 minutes per side, turning to get even browning and grill marks.

  • Internal temperature should reach about 160°F (71°C).

5. Prepare the Bread

  • Warm lepinja on the grill or in the oven, optionally split open and place over the hot ćevapi to absorb flavor.

🧂 To Serve:

  1. Place 5–10 ćevapi inside or alongside warm lepinja.

  2. Top or serve with a handful of finely chopped raw onion.

  3. Add a spoonful of ajvar and optionally some sour cream.

  4. Serve with tomato, cucumber slices, or pickled vegetables.

🔥 Tips & Variations:

  • No lamb? Double the beef or add more pork.

  • Ajvar substitute: Roasted red pepper sauce or mild harissa.

  • Lepinja alternative: Use pita bread or naan if unavailable.

  • Smoky flavor: Add a touch of smoked paprika or grill over charcoal.


YT Channel: Infinite Curiosity


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