Cevapi
Description:
Ćevapi, also known as ćevapčići, are small, finger-sized grilled sausages made from a blend of minced meats, traditionally served as a staple dish in the Balkans. These flavorful sausages are known for their juicy texture and smoky aroma, achieved through grilling over an open flame. Typically served in a flatbread called lepinja or somun, they are accompanied by diced onions, a dollop of creamy kaymak (clotted cream), and a side of ajvar (a roasted red pepper and eggplant relish). Ćevapi are a beloved street food and comfort dish, offering a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and tangy flavors that make them irresistible. Whether enjoyed at a bustling market or a family gathering, they are a true representation of Balkan culinary heritage.
Ingredients:
- 500g ground beef
- 500g ground lamb or pork
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Flatbread (lepinja or somun) for serving
- Diced onions, kaymak, and ajvar for garnish
Calories:
One serving of Ćevapi (5-6 pieces with flatbread and sides) contains approximately 500-700 calories, depending on portion size and accompaniments.
How to Cook:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, lamb or pork, grated onion, minced garlic, paprika, baking soda, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small sausage-like fingers, about 7-10 cm long.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the ćevapi for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are evenly browned and cooked through.
- Serve hot in flatbread, topped with diced onions, kaymak, and ajvar.
History:
Ćevapi originated in the Balkans during the Ottoman Empire, influenced by Turkish kebabs. The dish became a regional favorite, evolving into a distinct culinary tradition in countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and Montenegro. Each region has its own variation, but the core concept remains the same: small, spiced meat sausages grilled to perfection. Ćevapi gained popularity as a street food, often sold at markets and festivals, and eventually became a symbol of Balkan cuisine. Today, they are celebrated for their simplicity, bold flavors, and cultural significance, representing the shared culinary heritage of the Balkans. Whether enjoyed at home or on the go, Ćevapi continue to bring people together over a love of good food.
