Discover the authentic flavor of Kebapi, a popular Balkan dish of grilled minced meat sausages. This easy-to-follow recipe shows you how to prepare delicious Kebapi, traditionally served with fresh onions and warm bread. Perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend BBQ, these flavorful sausages are a must-try! Learn the secrets to making this classic dish at home.

Ingredients:

- 500g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

- 2 tablespoons sparkling water

- Olive oil (for grilling)

For Serving:

- Fresh onions, sliced

- Bread or flatbread

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat Mixture:

  - In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

  - Dissolve the baking soda in sparkling water and add it to the meat mixture. This will help keep the Kebapi light and tender. Mix again until everything is well combined.

  - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.

Shape the Kebapi:

  - After resting, take the meat mixture out of the fridge. With wet hands, shape the meat into small sausage-like shapes, about 3-4 inches long and 1 inch thick.

Grill the Kebapi:

  - Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.

  - Place the Kebapi on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely charred and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

4. Serve:

  - Serve the Kebapi hot, accompanied by fresh onions and warm bread. You can also add a side of ajvar (a roasted red pepper spread) or sour cream for extra flavor.

Enjoy your homemade Kebapi with family and friends!

Nutritional Values

Ground Beef (500g, or a mix of beef and pork)

 - Calories: Approximately 1200-1500 (for 500g, depending on fat content)

 - Protein: 60-70 g

 - Fat: 90-110 g (varies by fat content)

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

Benefits: 

 - Protein: Provides a high amount of complete protein essential for muscle growth and repair.

 - Nutrients: Rich in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

Small Onion (finely chopped)

 - Calories: Approximately 45

 - Carbohydrates: 11 g

 - Protein: 1 g

 - Fat: 0 g

Benefits: 

 - Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that support immune health.

 - Flavor: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to dishes.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced)

 - Calories: Approximately 10 per clove

 - Carbohydrates: 2.5 g

 - Protein: 0.5 g

 - Fat: 0 g

Benefits: 

 - Immune Support: Contains allicin, which has immune-boosting properties.

 - Heart Health: May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Paprika (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: Approximately 6

 - Carbohydrates: 2 g

Benefits: 

 - Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress.

 - Flavor: Adds a mild, sweet, and smoky flavor.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: Approximately 8

 - Carbohydrates: 1 g

Benefits: 

 - Digestion: May aid in digestion and improve nutrient absorption.

 - Flavor: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to dishes.

Salt (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: 0

 - Sodium: Approximately 2300 mg

Benefits: 

 - Flavor: Enhances the overall taste of the meat mixture.

 - Preservative: Helps in preserving the flavor and texture.

Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon)

 - Calories: Approximately 3

 - Carbohydrates: 1 g

Benefits: 

 - Flavor: Adds a mild spiciness and depth of flavor.

 - Digestion: Contains piperine, which may aid digestion.

Baking Soda (1/4 teaspoon)

 - Calories: 0

 - Sodium: Approximately 590 mg (per 1/4 teaspoon)

Benefits: 

 - Texture: Helps tenderize the meat and improve texture.

 - Leavening: Assists in making the mixture more light and fluffy.

Sparkling Water (2 tablespoons) 

 - Calories: 0

Benefits: 

 - Texture: Adds moisture and can help create a lighter texture in the meat mixture.

 - Carbonation: The bubbles can help tenderize the meat.

Olive Oil (for grilling)

 - Calories: Approximately 120 per tablespoon

 - Fat: 14 g (mainly monounsaturated fats)

Benefits: 

 - Flavor: Adds richness and enhances the flavor of grilled meats.

 - Heart Health: Rich in monounsaturated fats, beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Fresh Onions (sliced)

 - Calories: Approximately 45 (for a small serving)

 - Carbohydrates: 11 g

 - Protein: 1 g

 - Fat: 0 g

Benefits: 

 - Flavor: Adds a crisp and sharp flavor that complements the meat.

 - Nutrients: Provides antioxidants and vitamins.

Bread or Flatbread

 - Calories: Approximately 70-150 per slice of bread or per serving of flatbread

 - Carbohydrates: 15-30 g

 - Protein: 2-5 g

 - Fat: 1-5 g

Benefits: 

 - Energy: Provides carbohydrates for energy.

 - Versatility: Complements the meat and can be used to soak up juices or sauces.

These ingredients combine to create a flavorful and satisfying meal, with each component contributing to the overall taste and nutritional profile of the dish.