Indulge in the authentic taste of Kosovo with Qebapa, delectable grilled minced meat sausages bursting with robust flavors. These juicy sausages are crafted from finely minced meat seasoned with a blend of traditional spices, then expertly grilled to perfection. Qebapa is a beloved dish in Kosovo, often enjoyed hot off the grill and served alongside fresh bread and crisp onions. The smoky aroma and tender texture make Qebapa a must-try culinary delight, embodying the rich culinary heritage of Kosovo. Experience the essence of Balkan cuisine with every savory bite of Kosovo Qebapa!

Ingredients:

- 500g ground beef or a combination of beef and lamb 

- 1 small onion, finely chopped 

- 2 garlic cloves, minced 

- 1 teaspoon salt 

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 

- 1/2 teaspoon paprika 

- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional, helps keep the meat tender) 

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 

- Fresh bread or pita, for serving 

- Sliced onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1-Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Optionally, add baking soda to help tenderize the meat. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

2- Shape the Qebapa: Take a small amount of the meat mixture and shape it into small, elongated sausage-like pieces, about 2-3 inches long and 1 inch thick. Repeat until all the meat mixture is used up. You should get around 12-16 qebapa depending on the size.

3- Grill the Qebapa:

  - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

  - Place the shaped qebapa on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned and cooked through.

4- Serve:

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

  - Serve the qebapa hot with fresh bread or pita alongside sliced onions.

  - Optionally, you can squeeze some lemon juice over the qebapa before serving for extra flavor.

5- Enjoy!

  - Dig into these delicious grilled minced meat sausages, either by themselves or wrapped in bread with a few slices of onion.

Kosovo Qebapa is a wonderful dish to enjoy as a main course or as part of a casual gathering. The combination of flavors from the seasoned meat and the charred grill marks make it a true delight! Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences and enjoy this traditional Balkan dish.

Nutritional Values :

Ground Beef (500g):

- Calories: Approximately 1120 kcal

- Protein: Approximately 100g

- Fat: Approximately 72g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Sodium: Varies based on the amount of added salt

benefits:

- Protein: Essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

- Iron: Important for oxygen transport in the blood.

- Zinc: Supports immune function and wound healing.

- Vitamin B12: Helps maintain healthy nerves and red blood cells.

- Selenium: Acts as an antioxidant and supports thyroid function.

Onion (1 small):

- Calories: Approximately 32 kcal

- Protein: Approximately 1g

- Fat: Approximately 0g

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 7g

- Fiber: Approximately 1g

- Sodium: Approximately 2mg

benefits:

- Fiber: Supports digestive health and promotes regular bowel movements.

- Vitamin C: Boosts immune function and aids in wound healing.

- Antioxidants: Help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.

- Quercetin: A type of flavonoid with potential anti-inflammatory effects.

Garlic (2 cloves):

- Calories: Approximately 10 kcal

- Protein: Approximately 0.5g

- Fat: Approximately 0g

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 2g

- Fiber: Approximately 0.1g

- Sodium: Approximately 1mg

benefits:

- Allicin: A compound with potential antibacterial and antifungal properties.

- Antioxidants: Help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

- Sulfur Compounds: May have cardiovascular benefits and support immune function

Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon):

- Calories: Approximately 120 kcal

- Fat: Approximately 14g (mainly unsaturated fats)

- No significant protein or carbohydrate content

benefits:

- Healthy Fats: Provides essential fatty acids that support brain and heart health.

- Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant and supports skin health.

- Caloric Energy: Supplies energy for daily activities.

Salt (1 teaspoon):

- Sodium: Approximately 2300mg

benefits:

- Sodium: Essential for fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions.

- Electrolyte Balance: Helps maintain proper hydration levels in the body.

Paprika (1/2 teaspoon):

- Calories: Approximately 3 kcal

- Protein: Approximately 0.1g

- Fat: Approximately 0.2g

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.7g

- Fiber: Approximately 0.4g

- Sodium: Approximately 1mg

benefits:

- Vitamin C: Supports immune function and collagen production.

- Capsaicin: Found in spicy paprika, may have metabolism-boosting effects.

Oregano (1/2 teaspoon):

- Calories: Approximately 2 kcal

- Protein: Approximately 0.1g

- Fat: Approximately 0.1g

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.4g

- Fiber: Approximately 0.3g

- Sodium: Approximately 0mg

benefits:

- Antioxidants: Help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

- Antimicrobial Properties: May inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

Bread or Pita (for serving):

- Nutritional values vary based on type and size of bread/pita used.

- Generally, bread contributes calories, carbohydrates, and some protein.

benefits:

- Carbohydrates: Provide energy for the body and brain.

- Fiber (if whole grain): Supports digestive health and promotes satiety.

Sliced Onions (for garnish):

- Calories: Approximately 32 kcal per 100g

- Protein: Approximately 1g per 100g

- Fat: Approximately 0g per 100g

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 7g per 100g

- Fiber: Approximately 1.7g per 100g

- Sodium: Approximately 4mg per 100g

benefits:

- Quercetin: Acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound.

- Vitamin C: Supports immune function and skin health.

- Fiber: Promotes digestive regularity and gut health.

Notes:

- The nutritional values provided are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and variations in ingredient sizes.

- For accurate nutritional information, it's recommended to use specific nutritional databases or labels for the exact products used.

- Adjustments to the recipe, such as using leaner ground meat or reducing added salt and oil, can modify the overall nutritional content of the dish.