Mititei, a Romanian specialty, are small grilled sausages made from a blend of beef, lamb, and pork, seasoned with garlic and spices. This dish originated in the 19th century in Bucharest's taverns, where it was popularized among patrons seeking flavorful street food. Today, mititei remain a beloved culinary tradition, often served at gatherings and enjoyed with mustard for a zesty kick.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb ground beef

- 1/2 lb ground lamb

- 1/2 lb ground pork

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Method:

  - In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, lamb, and pork.

  - Add minced garlic, black pepper, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and baking soda to the meat mixture.

  - Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.

  - Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into small sausages, about 2-3 inches long and 1 inch in diameter.

  - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

  - Grill the mititei for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned.

  - Serve hot with mustard on the side. Enjoy your delicious mititei!

Nutrition Value:

1 lb ground beef:

  - Calories: Approximately 1000 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: Approximately 88 g

  - Fat: Approximately 72 g

  - Sodium: Varies, but typically around 80-100 mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 300 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Contains smaller amounts of potassium and magnesium.

Benefit: High-quality protein source, rich in iron for oxygen transport and muscle function, and contains essential vitamins and minerals necessary for overall health.

1/2 lb ground lamb:

  - Calories: Approximately 700 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: Approximately 56 g

  - Fat: Approximately 50 g

  - Sodium: Varies, but typically around 70-90 mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 180 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: High in vitamin B12, zinc, selenium, and iron.

Benefit: Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like zinc and vitamin B12 for energy production and immune function.

1/2 lb ground pork:

  - Calories: Approximately 900 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: Approximately 60 g

  - Fat: Approximately 72 g

  - Sodium: Varies, but typically around 70-90 mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 250 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin B6, B12, zinc, selenium, and phosphorus.

Benefit: Good source of protein and essential nutrients, including B vitamins and minerals necessary for metabolism and bone health.

3 cloves garlic, minced:

  - Calories: Approximately 13 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 3 g

  - Protein: Approximately 0.6 g

  - Fat: Approximately 0.1 g

  - Sodium: Approximately 1 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: High in vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, and trace amounts of other vitamins and minerals.

Benefit: Garlic is known for its antimicrobial properties, supports heart health, and may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

1 teaspoon ground black pepper:

  - Calories: Approximately 6 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 1.5 g

  - Protein: Approximately 0.2 g

  - Fat: Approximately 0.1 g

  - Sodium: Approximately 1 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains small amounts of vitamin K, manganese, and iron.

Benefit: Black pepper has antioxidant properties and may aid digestion and improve nutrient absorption.

1 teaspoon paprika:

  - Calories: Approximately 6 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 1.3 g

  - Protein: Approximately 0.3 g

  - Fat: Approximately 0.2 g

  - Sodium: Approximately 1 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and small amounts of iron and potassium.

Benefit: Paprika is rich in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

1 teaspoon dried thyme:

  - Calories: Approximately 3 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.7 g

  - Protein: Approximately 0.1 g

  - Fat: Approximately 0.1 g

  - Sodium: Approximately 1 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: High in vitamin K, iron, and manganese.

Benefit: Thyme contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it may support respiratory health.

1 teaspoon dried oregano:

  - Calories: Approximately 3 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.6 g

  - Protein: Approximately 0.1 g

  - Fat: Approximately 0.1 g

  - Sodium: Approximately 1 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin K, iron, manganese, and antioxidants.

Benefit: Oregano is rich in antioxidants and may have antimicrobial properties. It may also support digestion and immune health.

1 teaspoon salt:

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Sodium: Approximately 2300 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: None

Benefit: Salt is necessary for electrolyte balance and proper nerve and muscle function, but excessive intake can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues.

1/2 teaspoon baking soda:

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Sodium: Approximately 1250 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: None

Benefit: Baking soda is often used as a leavening agent in baking. In this recipe, it helps tenderize the meat, making the sausages more succulent. However, excessive intake of baking soda can lead to electrolyte imbalances and other health issues.