Traditional Romanian Mititei Recipe: Homemade Grilled Sausages

Ingredients

2 pounds of ground pork
2 pounds of ground beef
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of baking soda
1 tablespoon of coriander seeds, crushed
1 tablespoon of caraway seeds, crushed
1 teaspoon of thyme
1 tablespoon of red paprika
2 teaspoons of black pepper
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
1 cup of beef broth

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the ground pork and ground beef.
Add the minced garlic, baking soda, crushed coriander seeds, crushed caraway seeds, thyme, red paprika, black pepper, and salt to the meat mixture, mixing thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices.
Add the vegetable oil and beef broth to the meat and spice mixture, stirring to combine.
Form the meat mixture into small, sausage-like shapes.
Place the formed mititei on a plate, cover, and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Cook the mititei on the preheated grill, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove the mititei from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

Large bowl - to mix the ground pork, ground beef, and spices together.
Grill - to cook the mititei and achieve that smoky flavor.
Plates - to serve the cooked mititei.
Spatula or tongs - to flip and handle the mititei on the grill.
Refrigerator - to refrigerate the formed mititei overnight for flavor development.
Knife - to mince the garlic cloves.
Crushing tool - to crush the coriander seeds and caraway seeds.
Measuring spoons - to measure the baking soda, thyme, red paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Measuring cup - to measure the vegetable oil and beef broth.

Recipe variations

Use lamb or a combination of lamb and beef instead of pork and beef for a different flavor.
Add finely chopped onions to the meat mixture for added texture and flavor.
Experiment with different spices such as cumin, smoked paprika, or chili powder to customize the flavor profile.
For a healthier option, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of pork and beef.
Add grated cheese such as feta, cheddar, or Parmesan to the meat mixture for a cheesy twist.
Try grilling the mititei over charcoal for a smoky flavor.
Serve the mititei on a bed of lettuce or in a pita bread with your favorite toppings and sauces.
Make mini-sized mititei for appetizers or skewer them for kebab-style presentation.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or mashed chickpeas.

Recipe overview

Mititei, also known as "mici", is a traditional Romanian dish that's sure to become a favorite at your barbecue parties. Made from a flavorful blend of ground pork and beef, spiced with garlic, coriander, caraway, and paprika, these little sausages are packed with flavor. While this recipe requires a bit of patience, as the mititei need to rest overnight for the flavors to fully develop, the result is absolutely worth the wait. Once they're cooked to perfection on the grill, you'll end up with a juicy, savory treat that's perfect served with a side of mustard and fresh bread. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you to the heart of Romania with every bite.

Common questions

Can I use different types of meat? Yes, you can use a combination of ground pork and ground beef as specified in the recipe. However, you can also experiment with other types of ground meat such as lamb or veal if desired.
Can I skip refrigerating the meat overnight? While refrigerating the meat mixture overnight is recommended to allow the flavors to develop, you can still cook the mititei immediately if you are short on time. However, keep in mind that refrigerating the mixture will enhance the taste.
Can I cook the mititei on a stovetop instead of a grill? Yes, you can cook the mititei on a stovetop. Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and cook the mititei until browned on all sides and cooked through.
Can I freeze the uncooked mititei? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked mititei. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.
What are some serving suggestions for mititei? Mititei are traditionally served with mustard, pickles, and fresh bread. They can also be enjoyed with a side of fries, salad, or grilled vegetables.
Can I make mititei without using garlic? Garlic adds a distinct flavor to mititei, but if you prefer not to use it, you can omit it from the recipe. The mititei will still be delicious, though they may have a slightly different taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

Grill - A grill is essential for cooking the mititei to perfection.
Mixing Bowl - A large mixing bowl is needed to combine and mix the ground meat and spices.
Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are helpful for accurately measuring the spices.
Knife - A knife is needed to mince the garlic cloves.
Grilling Tongs - Grilling tongs are useful for flipping and handling the mititei while cooking on the grill.
Plate - A plate is needed to place the formed mititei before refrigerating them.
Grill Cover - A grill cover can be used to cover the grill while cooking the mititei and help maintain the temperature.
Platter - A platter is useful for serving the cooked mititei.

Origin stories

Mititei, a traditional Romanian dish, is a beloved street food and staple at barbecues, boasting a flavorful blend of spices and meat. Its origin story is as intriguing as its taste. Legend has it that one late night in a Bucharest pub called "La Iordachi", the kitchen ran out of casings for sausages. Not wanting to disappoint the inebriated patrons who were craving a meaty snack, the clever cook decided to roll the seasoned meat into small, casing-free cylinders, thus inventing Mititei. Ever since, these "small ones" - the literal translation of Mititei - have been a Romanian favorite, grilled in backyards and sold in street carts throughout the country.

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.