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Ćevapi (Balkan Grilled Sausage) Recipe

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4.4 from 88 reviews

Ćevapi is a traditional Balkan grilled sausage delicately seasoned with garlic, paprika, and black pepper, made from a blend of ground beef and lamb. This recipe offers a simple yet authentic approach to forming and grilling these flavorful sausages, perfect for serving with warm flatbreads like pita or lavash, complemented by ajvar roasted red pepper relish and fresh onions.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground lamb (or pork)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp water
  • 2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp black pepper

To Serve

  • Ajvar roasted red pepper relish
  • Sliced white onion
  • Pita bread
  • Lavash bread

Instructions

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground lamb, minced garlic, water, sweet paprika, kosher salt, baking soda, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Cover the bowl and let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to develop flavor and improve texture.
  2. Shape Sausages: Using 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture each time, shape by hand into approximately 3-inch long sausages. Alternatively, for a more uniform shape, use the plastic wrap method described in the next step.
  3. New Shaping Method: Lay a large zip-top bag or a sturdy sheet of plastic wrap flat on the counter. Place a portion of the meat mixture along one edge, shaping it roughly into a log. Fold the plastic over the meat.
  4. Compact and Cut: Press a spatula or bench scraper flat against the fold of the plastic, then roll the meat log away from you, applying firm pressure to compact the mixture into a tight, even cylinder and eliminate air pockets. Unroll the plastic and cut the sausage log into 3-inch lengths. Repeat with remaining mixture.
  5. Preheat Grill: Clean your grill and heat it to 400°F (or heat a grill pan over the stovetop). Spray the grill or pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  6. Grill Sausages: Place the shaped sausages on the hot grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning carefully to ensure even cooking and a nicely charred exterior.
  7. Serve: Serve the hot ćevapi with warm bread such as lepinja, pita, or lavash. Accompany with ajvar roasted red pepper relish, sliced white onions, and optionally fresh tomatoes for a traditional Balkan experience.

Notes

  • Resting the meat mixture for several hours or overnight is essential for flavor development and texture.
  • Using baking soda in the mixture helps create a tender sausage by raising the pH.
  • The plastic wrap shaping method ensures uniform size and density of sausages.
  • Cooking times may vary depending on grill heat and sausage thickness; ensure sausages are cooked through before serving.
  • Lepinja, a Balkan flatbread, is the traditional bread choice, but pita or lavash are excellent alternatives.

Keywords: Ćevapi, Balkan sausage, grilled sausage, lamb sausage, beef sausage, ajvar, Balkan cuisine, traditional sausage

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/cevapi-balkan-grilled-sausage-recipe/