Authentic Serbian Raznjici Recipe: A Traditional Grilled Meat Delight

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of pork shoulder
  • 1 large red bell pepper
  • 1 large yellow bell pepper
  • 1 large onion
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of Hungarian paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • 8 skewers for grilling

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Slice the red and yellow bell peppers and onion into similar-sized pieces.
  3. Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves.
  4. In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, white vinegar, chopped garlic, Hungarian paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
  5. Add the pork cubes to the marinade, stirring to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
  6. When ready to cook, preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  7. Thread the marinated pork, bell peppers, and onions onto the skewers, alternating between each ingredient.
  8. Grill the skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  9. Transfer the cooked skewers to a platter and serve immediately, while still hot.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
  • Chef's knife - Essential for cutting the pork shoulder, bell peppers, onion, and garlic.
  • Mixing bowl - Used to combine the marinade ingredients and coat the pork cubes.
  • Grill - Needed to cook the skewers. A charcoal or gas grill can be used.
  • Skewers - Used to thread and grill the marinated pork, bell peppers, and onions. Metal or wooden skewers can be used, but if using wooden skewers, soak them in water before grilling to prevent burning.
  • Tongs - Helpful for turning the skewers on the grill without burning your hands.

Recipe variations

  • Chicken or beef can be used instead of pork.
  • Experiment with different types of marinades, such as teriyaki or barbecue sauce.
  • Add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers.
  • For a spicier version, include chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade.
  • Try grilling the skewers with a basting sauce made from a combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
  • Make it vegetarian-friendly by using tofu or seitan instead of meat.
  • For a Mediterranean twist, marinate the meat and vegetables in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, and garlic.
  • Serve the skewers with a side of tzatziki sauce or a refreshing yogurt-based dip.
  • Add pineapple chunks to the skewers for a sweet and tangy flavor.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade, such as cilantro, cumin, or rosemary.

Recipe overview

Raznjici is a popular Serbian dish that's perfect for a backyard barbecue or an easy weeknight dinner. This recipe features succulent cubes of marinated pork skewered with colorful bell peppers and onions, then grilled to perfection. The marinade, rich with garlic, Hungarian paprika, and vinegar, imparts a wonderful depth of flavor to the meat. The preparation is simple, but the key is to let the pork marinate for at least a few hours, or ideally overnight, to absorb all the flavors. Once grilled, the meat is tender and juicy, while the vegetables have a delightful char. Enjoy this taste of the Balkans right at your own dinner table.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use chicken, beef, or lamb as alternatives to pork.
  2. Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
  3. Can I grill these indoors? Yes, you can use a grill pan or an indoor grill to make these skewers if you don't have access to an outdoor grill.
  4. How long should I marinate the pork? It is recommended to marinate the pork for at least 2 hours, but overnight marinating will result in even more flavorful skewers.
  5. Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones? Yes, metal skewers can be used instead of wooden skewers. Just be mindful of the heat when handling them during grilling.
  6. Can I make these skewers ahead of time? While it's best to serve the skewers immediately after grilling, you can prepare the skewers in advance and refrigerate them until you're ready to grill.
  7. Can I broil these skewers instead of grilling them? Yes, if you don't have a grill, you can broil the skewers in the oven on a high heat setting. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
  8. What can I serve these skewers with? Raznjici pairs well with a side of rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce like tzatziki or chimichurri.
  9. Can I adjust the seasoning to my taste? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, or paprika in the marinade based on your personal preference.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill - A grill is essential for cooking the raznjici skewers to perfection.
  • Skewers - Skewers are used to thread the marinated pork, bell peppers, and onions for grilling.
  • Large bowl - A large bowl is needed to mix the marinade and coat the pork cubes evenly.
  • Knife - A knife is required for cutting the pork shoulder into cubes and slicing the bell peppers and onion.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure the olive oil, white vinegar, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Grilling tongs - Grilling tongs are helpful for flipping and turning the skewers while they cook on the grill.
  • Platter - A platter is used for serving the cooked skewers.

Origin stories

Raznjici, a popular dish in Serbia, has a rich history rooted in the country's traditional open-fire cooking. The word "ražnjići" actually means "skewered meat" and dates back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was a staple food for soldiers. They would skewer the meat and roast it over an open fire. The simplicity and practicality of this method made it popular not only among soldiers, but also with common folks, and subsequently, it spread throughout the Balkans. Today, Raznjici is synonymous with Serbian cuisine and is the star of every bbq feast, family gathering, and festive occasion. Its irresistible aroma wafting from the grill is a signal that a hearty and jovial Serbian gathering is in full swing.

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.