Ćevapi, also known as ćevapčići, is a traditional Croatian dish featuring tender, grilled minced meat. It’s a staple of Croatian cuisine and popular across the Balkans.
Ćevapi originated from the Ottoman kebap, evolving with local Balkan influences. The dish became widely enjoyed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, and neighboring regions, particularly in Croatia's Dalmatia, Istria, and Slavonia.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
- 1/2 pound (225 grams) ground lamb
- 1/2 pound (225 grams) ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, lamb, and pork.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, and baking soda.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
Step 2: Shape the Ćevapi
1. Take small portions of the meat mixture and roll them into cylindrical shapes, about 3-4 inches long and 1 inch in diameter.
2. Continue shaping until all the mixture is used.
Step 3: Grill the Ćevapi
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the Ćevapi for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
3. Use tongs to turn them gently to avoid breaking.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
1. Remove the Ćevapi from the grill and place them on a serving platter.
2. Serve hot with warm flatbread, chopped onions, and sour cream.
3. Optional: Include ajvar (roasted red pepper relish) or other traditional Croatian condiments.
Notes
- While the traditional recipe uses a mix of meats, you can customize it with only beef or other meats as preferred.
- For an authentic experience, serve Ćevapi with lepinja (traditional Croatian flatbread), or substitute with pita bread or any soft bread of your choice.
Nutrition Value:
1. 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
- Calories: Approximately 1,120
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 75 grams
- Fat: 90 grams
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Cholesterol: 270 mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins (especially B12, B6, niacin)
- Minerals: Iron, zinc, phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Ground beef provides high-quality protein essential for muscle growth and repair. It is also a good source of iron, which helps in oxygen transport, and zinc, which supports immune function.
2. 1/2 pound (225 grams) ground lamb
- Calories: Approximately 550
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 35 grams
- Fat: 45 grams
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins (especially B12, B6, riboflavin)
- Minerals: Iron, zinc, selenium
- Nutritional Benefit: Ground lamb is rich in protein and essential vitamins, providing nutrients important for energy and immune health. It also contains selenium, which has antioxidant properties.
3. 1/2 pound (225 grams) ground pork
- Calories: Approximately 500
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Fat: 40 grams
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins (especially B12, B6, thiamine)
- Minerals: Iron, phosphorus, zinc
- Nutritional Benefit: Ground pork offers protein and B vitamins, which are crucial for metabolism and red blood cell formation. It also provides zinc and phosphorus, which support bone health and immune function.
4. 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Calories: Approximately 45
- Carbohydrates: 11 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B vitamins (especially folate)
- Minerals: Potassium, manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Onions are low in calories and rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity. They also contain antioxidants and compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects.
5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Calories: Approximately 8
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B vitamins (especially B6)
- Minerals: Manganese, calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Garlic is known for its potential cardiovascular benefits and immune-boosting properties. It contains allicin, which may help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
6. 1 teaspoon paprika
- Calories: Approximately 6
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, vitamin E
- Minerals: Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Paprika adds flavor and color to dishes while providing antioxidants and vitamins A and E, which support vision and skin health.
7. 1 teaspoon salt
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 2,300 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Salt is essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function, but should be used in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake.
8. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Calories: Approximately 3
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin K
- Minerals: Iron, manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Black pepper enhances flavor and may aid digestion. It contains piperine, which can improve nutrient absorption and has antioxidant properties.
9. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Baking soda is used as a leavening agent in cooking. It helps to create a lighter texture in baked goods but should be used in moderation to manage sodium intake.
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