Discover the perfect Ćevapi recipe, featuring juicy grilled minced meat sausages made from beef or pork. This traditional Balkan dish is seasoned with aromatic spices and grilled to perfection for a delicious and authentic taste experience. Ideal for BBQs or family dinners, Ćevapi is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Follow our step-by-step guide for making these mouthwatering sausages at home.

Ingredients:

- 500g ground beef

- 500g ground pork

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tsp baking soda

- 1 tsp paprika

- 1 tsp ground black pepper

- 1 tsp salt

- 1/2 tsp ground cumin

- 1/2 tsp dried thyme

- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

- 1/4 cup sparkling water (or plain water)

- Olive oil (for grilling)

Instructions:

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork. Add minced garlic, baking soda, paprika, black pepper, salt, cumin, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix thoroughly.

Add Water: Gradually add sparkling water to the meat mixture, stirring constantly to ensure the mixture becomes well combined and slightly sticky.

Shape Ćevapi: Wet your hands to prevent sticking and shape the meat mixture into small, finger-sized sausages, about 4 inches long and 1 inch in diameter.

Chill: Place the shaped Ćevapi on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help them firm up.

Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Grill: Place Ćevapi on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are well browned and cooked through. Turn occasionally to ensure even grilling.

Serve: Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Ćevapi with pita bread, chopped onions, and a side of ajvar or your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy your delicious Ćevapi, perfect for any gathering or special meal!

Nutritional values

Ground Beef (500g)

 - Calories: 250 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 26g

 - Fat: 20g

Benefits:

 - High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.

 - Provides essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

Ground Pork (500g)

 - Calories: 250 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 25g

 - Fat: 20g

Benefits:

 - Rich in protein and essential vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins and phosphorus.

Garlic (4 cloves, minced)

 - Calories: 149 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 33g

 - Protein: 6g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Contains compounds with potential antibacterial and antiviral properties.

 - Supports cardiovascular health and immune function.

Baking Soda (1 tsp)

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Used to help with texture and binding in the mixture.

Paprika (1 tsp)

 - Calories: 282 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 54g

 - Protein: 14g

 - Fat: 12g

Benefits:

 - Adds color and flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants such as vitamin A and C.

Ground Black Pepper (1 tsp)

 - Calories: 255 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 64g

 - Protein: 10g

 - Fat: 3g

Benefits:

 - Adds a spicy kick and can aid digestion.

 - Contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption.

Salt (1 tsp)

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor.

 - Essential for fluid balance and nerve function.

Ground Cumin (1/2 tsp)

 - Calories: 375 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 44g

 - Protein: 18g

 - Fat: 22g

Benefits:

 - Adds a warm, earthy flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants and can aid in digestion.

Dried Thyme (1/2 tsp)

 - Calories: 101 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 24g

 - Protein: 7g

 - Fat: 2g

Benefits:

 - Adds a fragrant, herbal note.

 - Rich in vitamins and minerals and has potential antibacterial properties.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 tsp, optional)

 - Calories: 281 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 60g

 - Protein: 12g

 - Fat: 12g

Benefits:

 - Adds heat and flavor.

 - Contains capsaicin, which may have metabolism-boosting properties.

Sparkling Water (1/4 cup)

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds moisture and helps with texture without adding calories.

Olive Oil (for grilling)

 - Calories: 884 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 100g

Benefits:

 - Rich in monounsaturated fats which are heart-healthy.

 - Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

This recipe combines ground beef and pork with a blend of spices and seasonings to create a flavorful meat mixture. The addition of garlic and spices like paprika and cumin enhances the taste, while the baking soda helps with texture. The sparkling water adds moisture without additional calories, and olive oil is used for grilling, contributing to the dish's richness.