Indulge in the culinary delights of Croatia with Ćevapi, a beloved dish that embodies the rich flavors of the Balkans. This traditional dish consists of seasoned ground meat, typically a blend of beef, lamb, and pork, shaped into small sausages and grilled to perfection. Served with fresh, warm bread and a side of ajvar (roasted red pepper spread) or kajmak (creamy dairy spread), Ćevapi offers a burst of savory goodness that tantalizes the taste buds.

Immerse yourself in the Croatian dining experience as you savor each bite of Ćevapi, enjoying the smoky aroma and juicy tenderness that characterize this iconic dish. Whether enjoyed as a casual street food snack or as part of a hearty meal shared with friends and family, Ćevapi captures the essence of Croatian cuisine, blending tradition with culinary excellence. Treat your palate to a taste of Croatia with Ćevapi, a dish that celebrates the country's vibrant culinary heritage.

Ingredients:

• 500g ground beef
• 250g ground lamb
• 250g ground pork
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup sparkling water (or regular water)
• Vegetable oil (for grilling)
• Ajvar (roasted red pepper condiment)
• Fresh bread, such as somun or lepinja, for serving

Instructions:

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

2- Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, salt, and baking soda to the meat mixture.

3- Mix everything together thoroughly until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

4- Gradually pour in the sparkling water while continuing to mix. The sparkling water helps to keep the meat moist and tender.

5- Once the meat mixture is well combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.

6- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

7- While the grill is heating up, shape the meat mixture into small sausage-shaped portions, about 3-4 inches long and 1 inch in diameter.

8- Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

9- Place the shaped Ćevapi onto the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked through and nicely charred on the outside.

10- Once cooked, remove the Ćevapi from the grill and serve immediately with ajvar and fresh bread.

11- To serve, place the grilled Ćevapi onto the bread and top with a generous dollop of ajvar.

12- Enjoy your Ćevapi hot off the grill, savoring the delicious flavors and aromas of this Croatian culinary delight!

This recipe makes approximately 15-20 Ćevapi, depending on the size of your sausages. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, and feel free to customize the condiments and accompaniments based on your preferences.

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the recipe:

Ground beef (500g):

• Calories: 1160 kcal
• Protein: 100g
• Fat: 80g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Excellent source of protein and essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are important for muscle growth, energy production, and overall health.

Ground lamb (250g):

• Calories: 660 kcal
• Protein: 48g
• Fat: 54g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Provides high-quality protein, along with essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Lamb is also rich in healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and brain function.

Ground pork (250g):

• Calories: 770 kcal
• Protein: 60g
• Fat: 58g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Contains protein, vitamins, and minerals such as thiamine, niacin, phosphorus, and selenium. Pork is a good source of B vitamins, which play a role in metabolism and energy production.

Onion (1 small):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and B6, and dietary fiber. Onions also contain prebiotics, which support gut health, and sulfur compounds that may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Known for its immune-boosting properties and contains compounds like allicin, which may help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. Garlic also has antibacterial and antiviral properties and may support heart health.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits: Contains antioxidants such as vitamin C and carotenoids, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Paprika also contains capsaicin, which may have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

Salt (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Essential for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. However, excessive salt intake may increase the risk of high blood pressure and other health issues, so moderation is key.

Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Used as a leavening agent in recipes and can help foods rise when combined with acidic ingredients. Baking soda may also have uses as a household cleaner and odor neutralizer.

Sparkling water (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Provides hydration and may offer a refreshing alternative to plain water. Some sparkling waters may also contain minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

Vegetable oil (for grilling):

• Calories: 120 kcal (approximately 1 tablespoon)
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: A source of unsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Vegetable oils also contain vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

Ajvar (roasted red pepper condiment):

• Nutritional values vary based on the brand and recipe. Please refer to the nutrition label on the product for accurate information.

benefits: Made from roasted red peppers, ajvar is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It may also contain other ingredients such as garlic, olive oil, and chili peppers, providing additional health benefits.

Fresh bread (for serving):

• Nutritional values vary based on the type of bread chosen. Consider selecting whole grain or artisanal bread for added nutrients and fiber.

benefits: Depending on the type of bread chosen, it can be a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, and various nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Whole grain breads are particularly nutritious, providing fiber, protein, and micronutrients.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as brand, preparation methods, and specific ingredients used. Adjustments may be necessary based on individual dietary needs and preferences.