Cevapi
Cevapi are small, grilled minced meat sausages, a staple in Balkan cuisine. They are typically served with flatbread, chopped onions, and a red pepper relish called ajvar. This recipe offers a simple way to prepare these flavorful sausages at home.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 1 hr 35 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 696 kcal
Allergen information: may contain gluten. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 500 gground beef, 80/20 lean
- 250 gground lamb
- 2 tspgarlic powder
- 1 tsppaprika, sweet
- 0.5 tspbaking soda
- 1.5 tspsalt
- 0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tbspwater, cold
for serving
- 1 pcsonion, finely chopped
- 4 pcsflatbread, pita or similar
- 0.5 cupajvar
Equipment
frying pan · grill · large mixing bowl
The method
Step by step
- 1
Combine the ground beef, ground lamb, garlic powder, paprika, baking soda, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients for even distribution.
- 2
Gradually add the cold water while continuing to mix until the meat mixture is well combined and slightly sticky.
About 2 min
- 3
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the meat mixture for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook’s note: This resting period is crucial for the texture and flavor of the cevapi.
- 4
Divide the chilled meat mixture into 24 equal portions.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: For consistent size, you can weigh each portion.
- 5
Roll each portion into a cylindrical shape, about 5-7 cm (2-3 inches) long and 1.5-2 cm (0.6-0.8 inches) thick.
About 8 min
Cook’s note: Moisten your hands slightly with water to prevent sticking.
- 6
Preheat a grill or a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
About 3 min
- 7
Cook the cevapi in batches, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-12 minutes.
About 12 min
Cook’s note: Do not overcrowd the pan or grill to ensure even cooking and browning.
- 8
Serve the hot cevapi immediately with flatbread, finely chopped onion, and a dollop of ajvar.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 696.3kcal
- Protein
- 38.1g
- Carbs
- 32.9g
- Fat
- 45.8g
- Fibre
- 3.1g
- Sugar
- 4.2g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover cevapi in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat cevapi in a pan over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through.
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