Balkan Delight Cevapi Sandwiches
Cevapcici, or Cevapi, is a beloved Balkan dish, hailing from the diverse culinary traditions of southeastern Europe, particularly popular in countries of the former Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, and Romania. These savory, grilled sausages are a delightful fusion of flavors, featuring a blend of pork, beef, and lamb that delivers a juicy and aromatic experience. Traditionally served in warm breads with an array of toppings, this street food favorite is perfect for lunch, snacks, or casual gatherings, and can be customized with ingredients like chopped onions, fresh tomatoes, tangy sour cream, rich kajmak, savory ajvar, or creamy cottage cheese. Enjoy creating this gastronomic journey in your kitchen, and share the warmth of the Balkans with friends and family.
4
Servings
365
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground pork
1 1/2 lbs (none)
lean ground beef
1 lb (none)
ground lamb
1/2 lb (none)
egg white
1 (whisked)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
2 teaspoons (none)
cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (none)
onion
1 (finely chopped)
white bread or rolls
4 (toasted or grilled)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, and ground lamb. Add the whisked egg white, minced garlic, salt, baking soda, black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, and finely chopped onion.
2
Using your hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly until all components are well incorporated, ensuring that the seasonings are evenly distributed.
3
Shape the mixture into finger-length sausages, approximately 3/4 inch thick, and place them on a plate.
4
Cover the plate with plastic wrap or wax paper and refrigerate the cevapcici for at least one hour, or up to one day, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
5
Preheat your grill to medium-low heat and lightly oil the grilling surface to prevent sticking.
6
Grill the cevapcici, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Grill for about 30 minutes or until they are cooked through and have a nice char.
7
To serve, warm or grill the pita bread, white bread, or rolls. Place the grilled cevapcici on a bed of chopped onions and add your choice of toppings—such as kajmak, sour cream, cottage cheese, ajvar, tomatoes, and fresh peppers. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
17g
Carbs
29.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cevapi?
Cevapi, or Cevapcici, is a beloved Balkan dish of savory grilled sausages popular across southeastern Europe, especially in the former Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, and Romania.
What meats are used in these Cevapi sandwiches?
This recipe uses a flavorful blend of ground pork, lean ground beef, and ground lamb.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving of Balkan Delight Cevapi?
Each serving contains 365 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
One serving provides 29.5g of protein.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
There are 25g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a Cevapi sandwich?
There are 17g of carbohydrates per serving.
Why is baking soda included in the meat mixture?
Baking soda is used in the mixture to help achieve the traditional texture and assist with browning during the grilling process.
How long should the sausages be refrigerated before cooking?
The shaped sausages should be refrigerated for at least one hour, or up to one full day, to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
What dimensions should the Cevapi sausages be?
The mixture should be shaped into finger-length sausages, approximately 3/4 inch thick.
How long do I grill the Cevapi?
Grill the sausages for about 30 minutes over medium-low heat, turning occasionally until they are cooked through and have a nice char.
What type of bread is best for serving Cevapi?
Traditionally, pita bread, white bread, or rolls are used, and they should be warmed or grilled before serving.
What are the recommended toppings for these sandwiches?
Common toppings include chopped onions, fresh tomatoes, sour cream, kajmak (rich dairy spread), ajvar (savory pepper spread), or creamy cottage cheese.
What spices are used to season the meat?
The seasonings include minced garlic, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and paprika.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
How is the onion prepared for the meat mixture?
One onion should be finely chopped before being mixed with the ground meats.
What is the primary classification for this dish?
This dish is categorized under Lunch/Snacks and is a popular street food.
Is an egg used in this recipe?
Yes, one whisked egg white is added to the meat mixture to help bind the ingredients.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 12 distinct ingredients required for this recipe.
What heat level should the grill be set to?
The grill should be preheated to medium-low heat.
How do you prevent the sausages from sticking to the grill?
You should lightly oil the grilling surface before placing the sausages on it.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Tags include Balkan food, street food, grilled sausages, kebab, and comfort food.
Is there any dietary fiber in this recipe?
Based on the provided nutritional data, the fiber content is null.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No sugar is listed in the nutritional information for this recipe.
How should the meat be mixed?
The ingredients should be mixed thoroughly using your hands until all seasonings are evenly distributed.
What amount of ground pork is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 lbs of ground pork.
What amount of ground beef is needed?
The recipe requires 1 lb of lean ground beef.
What amount of ground lamb is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of ground lamb.
Can I serve Cevapi with fresh peppers?
Yes, fresh peppers are listed as a recommended topping to enjoy with the sandwiches.
What is the cultural significance of this dish?
It represents the diverse culinary traditions of the Balkan region and is a staple street food favorite for casual gatherings.