Authentic Balkan Cevapcici Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 lb ground lamb
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup soda water
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • Vegetable oil for grilling

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, pork, and lamb.
  2. Add the finely chopped garlic and onion to the mixture.
  3. Break the egg into the bowl and add the soda water.
  4. Next, add the bread crumbs, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the mixture.
  5. Mix everything together until well combined. Be sure not to overmix as this can make the meat tough.
  6. Add the baking soda to the mixture and mix until thoroughly combined.
  7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or overnight to allow the flavors to blend.
  8. After the mixture has chilled, divide it into equal portions and roll each portion into a small sausage shape.
  9. Preheat a grill or broiler. Lightly brush the cevapcici with vegetable oil.
  10. Grill or broil the cevapcici, turning them frequently, until they are cooked through and browned on all sides. This should take about 10 minutes.
  11. Remove the cevapcici from the grill or broiler and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large bowl - for mixing the ground meat and other ingredients
  • Grill or broiler - for cooking the cevapcici
  • Brush - for lightly brushing the cevapcici with vegetable oil before grilling or broiling
  • Refrigerator - for chilling the cevapcici mixture to allow flavors to blend

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of ground meat such as chicken, turkey, or veal instead of beef, pork, and lamb.
  • Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill to the meat mixture for added flavor.
  • Experiment with different spices such as cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika to give the cevapcici a unique twist.
  • For a gluten-free option, replace the bread crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs.
  • Make a vegetarian version by using a combination of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and breadcrumbs as a substitute for the ground meat.
  • Add grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta cheese to the meat mixture for extra richness and flavor.
  • Serve the cevapcici in a pita or flatbread with tzatziki sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions for a delicious sandwich.
  • Instead of grilling or broiling, pan-fry the cevapcici in a skillet with a little oil until they are browned and cooked through.
  • For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
  • Experiment with different dipping sauces such as chimichurri, harissa, or barbecue sauce to accompany the cevapcici.

Recipe overview

Cevapcici, also known as cevapi, is a popular street food in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in the Balkans. These flavorful, grilled sausages made from a mix of meats are a true delight for meat lovers. The meat, often a combination of beef, pork, and lamb, is mixed with garlic, onion, and spices, then shaped into small sausages and grilled to perfection. This recipe for Cevapcici is straightforward and easy to follow. All the ingredients are mixed together, allowed to rest so the flavors can blend, then shaped and grilled. The result is a delicious, juicy, and flavorful sausage that's perfect for a summer BBQ or a family dinner. Enjoy your homemade Cevapcici in a warm pita bread with some chopped onions, sour cream, or any of your favorite toppings.

Common questions

  1. Can I use only ground beef for this recipe? No, the combination of ground beef, pork, and lamb helps create the unique flavor and texture of cevapcici.
  2. Can I substitute the ground meats with something else? While the traditional recipe calls for a mix of beef, pork, and lamb, you can experiment with different combinations of ground meats if desired.
  3. What can I use instead of soda water? If you don't have soda water, you can use sparkling water or even regular water as a substitute.
  4. Can I make the mixture ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, allowing the mixture to rest in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight will enhance the flavors.
  5. Can I cook cevapcici on a stovetop? Yes, you can cook cevapcici on a stovetop by pan-frying them in a little oil or cooking them on a griddle.
  6. What should I serve with cevapcici? Cevapcici is traditionally served with flatbread (such as pita or naan), ajvar (roasted red pepper spread), diced onions, and sour cream or yogurt.
  7. Can I freeze cevapcici? Yes, you can freeze cevapcici. After shaping them into sausages, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill or Broiler - You will need a grill or broiler to cook the cevapcici to perfection.
  • Grilling Brush - A brush is helpful for lightly brushing the cevapcici with vegetable oil before grilling.
  • Large Bowl - A large bowl is necessary to mix and combine the ground meats and other ingredients.
  • Knife - You will need a knife to finely chop the garlic and onion.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups are helpful to ensure accurate amounts of ingredients such as bread crumbs and soda water.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to measure out the precise amounts of salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and baking soda.
  • Refrigerator - The refrigerator is essential for chilling the cevapcici mixture and allowing the flavors to meld together.

Origin stories

Cevapcici, also known as "little sausages", originated in the Balkans during the Ottoman era, and was introduced into modern-day Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. One tale has it that the dish was a favorite among Ottoman sultans, who enjoyed the spiced meat rolled into small shapes. Today, it's a beloved street food, often served with flatbread and a smear of ajvar, a type of roasted red pepper spread. This humble dish, with its savory and spice-laden flavors, is a testament to the region's rich history and culinary diversity.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.