Authentic Romanian Mici: The Ultimate Grilled Sausage Recipe

Ingredients

1 kilogram of ground pork
1 tablespoon of baking soda
150 milliliters of water
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
4 cloves of garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon of thyme
1 teaspoon of coriander
1 teaspoon of caraway seeds
Salt and pepper to taste
1 handful of fresh parsley, chopped
Sheep casings for stuffing

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, minced garlic, thyme, coriander, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper.
Stir in the baking soda and water. Mix well until the texture becomes sticky.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for a few hours, preferably overnight.
Prepare the sheep casings according to the package instructions.
Stuff the meat mixture into the sheep casings, forming sausage links.
Brush the sausages with vegetable oil.
Preheat your grill or grill pan.
Grill the sausages over medium heat until they are browned and cooked through, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
Serve the sausages hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Tools for making

Large bowl - A bowl large enough to mix and combine the ground pork and other ingredients.
Plastic wrap - Used to cover the bowl and refrigerate the meat mixture.
Sheep casings - Casings made from sheep intestines used for stuffing the sausages.
Grill or grill pan - Used to cook the sausages over medium heat.
Brush - Used to brush the sausages with vegetable oil before grilling.

Recipe variations

Use ground beef or a combination of ground beef and pork instead of just ground pork.
Add diced onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture for added flavor and texture.
Experiment with different herbs and spices such as paprika, cumin, or oregano to customize the flavor profile.
Replace the sheep casings with synthetic casings or use pre-made sausage casings.
Add grated cheese such as Parmesan or cheddar to the meat mixture for a cheesy twist.
Make a vegetarian version using plant-based ground meat substitute or mashed beans as the base.
Create a spicy version by adding chili flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Wrap the sausages in bacon before grilling for a smoky and indulgent twist.
Serve the sausages in a bun with your favorite toppings and condiments for a delicious hot dog alternative.
Experiment with different cooking methods such as baking in the oven or pan-frying.

Recipe overview

Mici, often referred to as "Romanian sausages", are a popular dish in Romanian cuisine and are widely enjoyed across Eastern Europe. These flavorful sausages are traditionally made with ground pork and a mix of spices, then grilled to perfection. The result is a succulent, aromatic, and hearty dish that's perfect for a barbecue or a family dinner. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions to make your own homemade Mici, including how to prepare the meat mixture, stuff the casings, and grill the sausages. Enjoy this authentic taste of Romania right in your home kitchen!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground pork?
Yes, you can use ground beef, chicken, or turkey as a substitute for ground pork in this recipe.
Can I skip the baking soda?
The baking soda helps to tenderize the meat and improve its texture, so it is recommended to include it in the recipe. However, you can skip it if you prefer, but the final texture may be slightly different.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can use dried herbs as a substitute. However, remember to adjust the amounts as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Can I cook the sausages in a pan instead of grilling?
Yes, you can cook the sausages in a pan over medium heat. Make sure to add a bit of oil and cook them until they are browned and cooked through.
How long do I need to let the meat mixture rest in the refrigerator?
It is recommended to let the meat mixture rest in the refrigerator for a few hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and helps the sausages hold their shape when cooked.
Can I freeze the sausages?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked sausages for later use. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.

Serving dishes and utensils

Grill or grill pan - A grill or grill pan is necessary for cooking the sausages.
Plastic wrap - Used to cover the bowl of meat mixture while it rests in the refrigerator.
Large bowl - For mixing the ground pork and other ingredients.
Brush - Used to brush the sausages with vegetable oil before grilling.
Knife - For finely mincing the garlic cloves.
Chopping board - To chop the fresh parsley.
Sausage stuffer - Needed to stuff the meat mixture into the sheep casings.
Refrigerator - To store the meat mixture while it rests and marinates.

Origin stories

Mici, also known as "mititei" or "little ones", is a traditional Romanian dish that has become a staple of the country's cuisine. There's an anecdote that dates back to the 19th century, in one of Bucharest's well-known inns, when the kitchen ran out of casings to make sausages. The clever cook came up with the idea of preparing the meat without the casings and grilling them instead. The bite-sized grilled sausages were an instant hit, and have since become synonymous with Romanian gastronomy. So famous is this dish, that there's an annual "Mici Festival" where over 15,000 mici are consumed each year.

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.