Fire up the grill and bring the spirit of a true Balkan BBQ to your table. Cevapi (or ćevapčići) are delicious Balkan grilled minced meat delicasy, often served with lepinja (flatbread), Spicy Balkan Ajvar, and raw onions.
Here’s my Tata's classic recipe to make them at home using our Spicy Balkan Ćevapi Meat Mix!
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- ½ lb (225g) ground lamb, veal or pork (you can mix all 3 if you want).
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- Spicy Balkan Ćevapi Meat Mix
Instructions:
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Mix the meat: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat mix, egg, Ćevapi Spice Mix, and any additional fresh ingredients like parsley or herbs of choice. Mix well using your hands but avoid overworking.
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Marinate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This helps the flavors blend.
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Shape the cevapi: Wet your hands and form the mixture into small sausage-shaped cylinders, about 3 inches long and ¾ inch thick.
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Grill or pan-fry: Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Lightly oil and cook the ćevapi for 3-4 minutes per side, turning until browned and cooked through.
- Serve hot: Enjoy with lepinja, Spicy Balkan Ajvar, chopped onions, and kajmak.
NOTES: Keep a side dish to the side to dip your fingers into while you shape the cevapi.