Cevapcici are a traditional Serbian dish made of grilled, seasoned ground meat. These small sausages are full of flavor and are often enjoyed with flatbread, onions, and a variety of condiments. This recipe will guide you through the process of making authentic Serbian Cevapcici that are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 lb ground lamb
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sparkling water
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, and ground lamb.
- Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to the meat mixture.
- Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Pour in the sparkling water and continue to mix.
- Add the bread crumbs and chopped parsley to the mixture.
- Mix everything together until the mixture becomes sticky and holds its shape.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Shape the mixture into small sausage-shaped patties, about 2 inches long and 1 inch thick.
- Grill the cevapcici for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
- Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the cevapcici with flatbread, sliced onions, and your choice of condiments.
Interesting Facts
Cevapcici are a popular street food in Serbia and can be found at many local festivals and markets.
The name 'cevapcici' is derived from the Persian word 'kebab', indicating its historical origins.
Traditionally, cevapcici were cooked on skewers, but grilling them as patties has become more common.
In Serbia, it is common to serve cevapcici with a side of ajvar (a roasted red pepper and eggplant spread) and kajmak (a creamy dairy product).