Entree: Croatia – Ćevapi (Small grilled minced-meat sausages traditionally served with flatbread and condiments)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 10 min

Additional 1 hr

Total 1 hr 25 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 8 oz (227 g) ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely grated, approx. 3 oz (85 g)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp (5 g) sea salt
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp (5 g) sweet smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) baking soda
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) cold water
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) neutral oil for grilling or pan-frying
- 4 flatbreads (lepinja or pita)
- Raw chopped onion for serving
- Ajvar (pepper-eggplant relish) for serving

Instructions

1. In a large bowl combine the ground beef and pork, grated onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and baking soda. Mix gently but thoroughly until evenly combined.
2. Add the cold water and mix until the mixture is slightly sticky; cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
3. With wet hands, shape the meat into small finger-size sausages about 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) long and 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick. Arrange on a tray and refrigerate 15–30 minutes to help them set.
4. Heat a grill or a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and brush with the neutral oil. Cook the ćevapi in a single layer, turning occasionally, until well browned and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes total depending on thickness.
5. Warm the flatbreads briefly on the grill or in the skillet. Serve the ćevapi tucked into the breads with raw chopped onion and ajvar alongside.