Homemade Cevapcici Recipe
Cevapcici, a beloved Balkan dish, features small, finger-sized sausages bursting with flavor. A blend of ground beef and pork, enriched with spices like paprika, garlic, and herbs, comes together to create these savory morsels. Shaped and cooked to perfection, they can be served on warm flatbreads with fresh garnishes and a cooling yogurt-based sauce. This culinary journey allows you to explore the rich traditions of the Balkans, delivering a taste of history and heritage to your dining table. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors that Cevapcici brings to your meal, offering a slice of Balkan culture with each bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound 450 grams ground beef
- 1/2 pound 225 grams ground pork
- 1 small onion finely grated
- 2-3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional for a smoky flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste, for a bit of heat
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for brushing while grilling or frying
- Flatbreads like pita or lavash, for serving
- Yogurt-based sauce tzatziki or a simple garlic yogurt sauce, for dipping
- Sliced red onions fresh tomatoes, and lettuce, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and mix well with your hands.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Form the meat mixture into small, finger-sized sausages.
- Grill the cevapcici for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as ajvar, kajmak, onions, and sour cream.