Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Bosnia with our delightful recipe for Ražnjići, a traditional dish that captures the essence of Balkan flavors. Ražnjići, skewered and grilled to perfection, showcase the rich culinary heritage of Bosnia, where every bite tells a story of tradition, taste, and togetherness.

In this recipe, we will guide you through the art of creating Ražnjići, ensuring that each skewer bursts with a symphony of spices and textures. From the selection of premium ingredients to the aromatic blend of seasonings, get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant markets and lively kitchens of Bosnia. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook eager to explore international cuisine, this Bosnian Ražnjići recipe promises a mouthwatering experience that celebrates the warmth and hospitality of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (700g) beef, pork, or a combination of both, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 large red onion, sliced
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1-In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients – olive oil, minced garlic, sweet paprika, ground cumin, dried thyme, dried oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.

2-Place the cubed meat in a large dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.

3-Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.

4-Remove the marinated meat from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.

5-Thread the marinated meat onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating with slices of red onion.

6-Season the skewers with additional salt and pepper to taste.

7-Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness and has a nice char on the edges.

8-While grilling, you can baste the skewers with any remaining marinade for extra flavor.

9-Once cooked, remove the Ražnjići from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.

10-Serve the Bosnia Ražnjići with flatbread or pita and additional slices of red onion. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this traditional Bosnian dish!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the listed ingredients:

Beef/Pork (700g):

• Calories: 1400-1600 kcal
• Protein: 100-120g
• Fat: 100-120g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Note: The exact values can vary based on the specific type and cut of meat used.

benefits:

• Rich source of protein for muscle growth and repair.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals, including iron and zinc.

Red Onion (1 large):

• Calories: 60 kcal
• Protein: 1.5g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may support overall health.
• Provides dietary fiber for digestive health.
• Adds flavor without adding significant calories.

Wooden Skewers:

• Negligible caloric contribution (used for cooking method only)

benefits: Used for convenient and safe grilling.

Salt and Pepper:

• Negligible caloric contribution (used for seasoning)

benefits:

• Enhances flavor without adding significant calories.
• Adds essential minerals to the dish.

Olive Oil (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 54g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Healthy monounsaturated fats for heart health.
• Source of antioxidants and vitamin E.

Garlic (3 cloves):

• Calories: 13 kcal
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 3g

benefits:

• Contains allicin, which has potential health benefits, including immune system support.
• Adds distinct flavor to dishes.

Sweet Paprika (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, including beta-carotene.
• Adds vibrant color and flavor to the dish.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0.4g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0.1g

benefits:

• Aids digestion and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the marinade.

Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 0.6g
• Fiber: 0.3g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and has potential antimicrobial properties.
• Adds aromatic and earthy notes to the dish.

Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 0.6g
• Fiber: 0.3g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Contributes a distinct Mediterranean flavor.

Lemon Juice (Juice of 1 lemon):

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 1.3g
• Fiber: 0.1g

benefits:

• Provides vitamin C for immune support.
• Adds a citrusy brightness to the marinade.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and exact quantities used. Additionally, the marination process may not absorb all the listed quantities, so the actual intake may be slightly lower.