Authentic Balkan Cevapi: Traditional Grilled Sausages Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of ground beef
  • 500 grams of ground pork
  • 500 grams of ground lamb
  • 5 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of ground paprika
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of warm water
  • Oil, for grilling
  • Pita bread, for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork and ground lamb.
  2. Add the minced garlic, salt, baking soda, black pepper, and ground paprika to the meat mixture.
  3. Finely chop the onion and add it to the bowl.
  4. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
  5. Add the warm water to the meat mixture and mix again.
  6. Shape the mixture into small kebabs, about the size of your index finger.
  7. Place the shaped kebabs onto a tray and cover with cling film. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to develop.
  8. Preheat your grill or barbecue. Brush the grill with a little oil to prevent the cevapi from sticking.
  9. Cook the cevapi on the preheated grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
  10. Serve the cevapi hot, wrapped in pita bread.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the ground meat and other ingredients.
  • Grill or Barbecue - To cook the cevapi and give them a delicious smoky flavor.
  • Knife and Chopping Board - To mince the garlic and finely chop the onion.
  • Tray - To place the shaped kebabs and refrigerate them.
  • Cling Film - Used to cover the tray and refrigerate the kebabs.
  • Grill Brush - To brush the grill with oil and prevent the cevapi from sticking.
  • Tongs - To flip and handle the cevapi while grilling.
  • Pita Bread - To serve the cevapi with.

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of ground meat such as chicken, turkey, or veal.
  • Add finely chopped parsley or cilantro to the meat mixture for added freshness.
  • Experiment with different spices such as cumin, oregano, or smoked paprika.
  • Include grated cheese, such as feta or cheddar, in the meat mixture for added flavor.
  • Make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground meat with a mixture of cooked and mashed chickpeas, breadcrumbs, and spices.
  • Serve the cevapi with different types of sauces such as tzatziki, aioli, or hot sauce.
  • Try grilling the cevapi on skewers for a different presentation.
  • Instead of pita bread, serve the cevapi with flatbread, naan, or even as a topping for a salad or rice bowl.
  • Add grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to accompany the cevapi.
  • For a spicier version, include finely chopped chili peppers or cayenne pepper in the meat mixture.

Recipe overview

Cevapi is a delicious and flavorful dish originating from the Balkans. This recipe calls for a combination of ground meats - specifically beef, pork, and lamb, which are seasoned with garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika, giving it a distinctive and mouth-watering taste. The meat mixture is shaped into small kebabs and grilled to perfection. This dish is traditionally served hot, wrapped in pita bread. Preparing cevapi may require some time and patience - especially since the meat needs to be marinated for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to fully develop. But the end result is definitely worth the wait. Enjoy a taste of the Balkans right in your own home!

Common questions

  1. How do I ensure that the cevapi are juicy and flavorful?
  2. Adding a small amount of warm water to the meat mixture helps to keep the cevapi juicy while cooking. Additionally, make sure to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together to distribute the flavors evenly.
  3. Can I substitute any of the meats in the recipe?
  4. Yes, you can customize the meat combination to your liking. However, using a combination of ground beef, ground pork, and ground lamb gives the cevapi a delicious flavor.
  5. Can I make the cevapi ahead of time?
  6. Yes, you can prepare the cevapi ahead of time. Simply shape the kebabs, refrigerate them covered, and cook them when you are ready. The refrigeration time also allows the flavors to develop further.
  7. What is the best way to cook the cevapi?
  8. Grilling the cevapi on a preheated grill or barbecue is the traditional and recommended method. This gives the cevapi a smoky flavor and nice char marks. However, you can also cook them on a stovetop grill pan or in the oven if a grill is not available.
  9. What can I serve with cevapi?
  10. Cevapi is commonly served with pita bread, ajvar (roasted red pepper spread), chopped onions, and sour cream. You can also serve it with a side of salad, pickles, or fries.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill or barbecue - A grill or barbecue is essential for cooking the cevapi.
  • Large bowl - A large bowl is needed to mix all the ingredients together.
  • Tray - A tray is used to hold the shaped kebabs before grilling.
  • Cling film - Cling film is used to cover the tray of shaped kebabs and refrigerate them.
  • Brush - A brush is used to brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking.
  • Tongs - Tongs are helpful for flipping and handling the cevapi on the grill.
  • Pita bread - Pita bread is used for serving the cooked cevapi.

Origin stories

Cevapi, or Ćevapčići, is a grilled dish of minced meat, a type of kebab, found traditionally in the countries of southeastern Europe. It is considered a national dish in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia but also in Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Slovenia. This cherished dish likely has its origins in the Middle Ages, believed to have been introduced to the Balkan region during the Ottoman period. The word ‘ćevap’ comes from the Arabic word ‘kebab’, transformed through the Turkish language to become 'çevap', which then entered South Slavic languages as ćevap. So while you're grilling these delicious, garlicky meat rolls, remember, you're not just cooking - you're continuing a tradition that's centuries old, reaching back to the expansive Ottoman Empire. Enjoy your connection to history, spiced and served hot.

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.