Discover the deliciousness of Mititei, traditional Romanian spicy grilled sausages. This easy-to-follow recipe highlights the savory blend of garlic, black pepper, and paprika, creating a mouthwatering dish that pairs perfectly with mustard. Ideal for barbecue gatherings and satisfying meals, learn how to make these flavorful sausages at home.

Ingredients:

- 500g ground beef

- 500g ground pork

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon baking soda

- 1 tablespoon paprika

- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup sparkling water

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

Prepare the Mixture:

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

  - Add the minced garlic, baking soda, paprika, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and salt. Mix well.

Add Sparkling Water:

  - Gradually mix in the sparkling water to the meat mixture. This helps to make the sausages more tender and juicy.

Shape the Sausages:

  - Use your hands to shape the mixture into small, elongated sausages, about 4-5 inches long.

Preheat the Grill:

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

Grill the Mititei:

  - Place the sausages on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through.

Serve:

  - Serve the Mititei hot off the grill with mustard on the side. They are perfect for a barbecue or as a hearty meal.

Enjoy your homemade Mititei with a side of mustard and perhaps some fresh bread or pickles!

Nutritional Values:

Ground Beef (500g)

  - Calories: Approximately 1,200 (depends on the fat content)

  - Protein: 100g

  - Fat: 80g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

  - High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.

  - Rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins, promoting energy metabolism and immune function.

Ground Pork (500g)

  - Calories: Approximately 1,300 (depends on the fat content)

  - Protein: 95g

  - Fat: 100g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

  - Contains high-quality protein and essential amino acids.

  - Provides B vitamins, particularly thiamine (B1), which supports nerve function and energy production.

Garlic (4 cloves, minced)

  - Calories: Approximately 16

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Protein: 0.8g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Contains allicin, which may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

  - Supports immune health and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Baking Soda (1 tablespoon)

  - Calories: 0

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Helps tenderize the meat, making it juicier and more flavorful.

Paprika (1 tablespoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 20

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 1g

Benefits:

  - Rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin A, which supports vision and immune health.

  - Adds flavor and color to the dish.

Ground Black Pepper (1 tablespoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 17

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0.2g

Benefits:

  - Contains piperine, which may improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

  - Adds a sharp, pungent flavor to the dish.

Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 3

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Contains antioxidants and has antibacterial properties.

  - Enhances the flavor and aroma of the dish.

Dried Rosemary (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 3

  - Carbohydrates: 0.6g

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Fat: 0.1g

Benefits:

  - Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

  - Supports digestion and improves circulation.

Salt (1 teaspoon)

  - Sodium: Approximately 2,300mg

Benefits:

  - Enhances flavor; however, excessive intake should be monitored for those with high blood pressure.

Sparkling Water (1/2 cup)

  - Calories: 0

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Helps to aerate and tenderize the meat, making it lighter and more tender when cooked.

Olive Oil (1 tablespoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 120

  - Fat: 14g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

  - Provides healthy monounsaturated fats that support heart health.

  - Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

This combination of ingredients creates a flavorful, protein-rich dish that is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals.