Grilled Romanian Mititei Sausages
Experience the rich flavors of Romania with these mouthwatering Mititei, traditional beef sausage rolls grilled to perfection. These sausages are made with a higher fat content ground chuck to ensure they remain juicy and flavorful, as the fat gently drips away during grilling. Enhanced by aromatic garlic and an intriguing mix of spices, each bite will transport you to a bustling Romanian street fair. Perfectly complemented by a side of rice pilaf or nestled in a fresh hot dog bun, these Mititei are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next barbecue or family gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Chuck
2 lbs (None)
Seasoning Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Fresh Ground Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Garlic Cloves
2 (Put through garlic press)
Ground Allspice
1 pinch (None)
Dried Dill
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Dried Summer Savory
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Beef Stock or Bouillon
1 cup (None)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chuck, seasoning salt, fresh ground pepper, baking soda, minced garlic, ground allspice, dried dill, and dried summer savory. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2
Gradually add approximately 1/2 cup of beef stock into the meat mixture, using your hands to knead and work the stock into the meat. Continue to add stock, a little at a time, until the mixture reaches a very soft and pliable consistency. You may not need to use the entire cup of stock.
3
Once the desired texture is achieved, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours, or overnight for optimal flavor development.
4
After chilling, take the meat mixture and shape it into cylinders, approximately 1 inch in diameter and 3 inches long.
5
Place the shaped sausages on a tray and cover them. Chill again for an additional 3 to 4 hours to firm them up.
6
Preheat your grill to high heat. If using charcoal, ensure the coals are glowing red and have a light ash coating. Alternatively, you can use a gas grill or broiler. Grill the Mititei, turning them often to ensure even cooking, until they are nicely browned on the outside with a slightly pink interior, approximately 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Romanian Mititei?
Mititei are traditional Romanian beef sausage rolls that are grilled to perfection and known for their juicy texture and aromatic spice blend.
What type of meat is used in this Mititei recipe?
This recipe uses 2 lbs of ground chuck, which has a higher fat content to ensure the sausages remain flavorful and juicy while grilling.
Why is baking soda added to Mititei?
Baking soda is a traditional ingredient in Mititei that helps achieve the unique, slightly bouncy and soft texture the sausages are known for.
How do I prepare the garlic for the meat mixture?
You should use 2 garlic cloves and put them through a garlic press to ensure they are finely minced and evenly distributed throughout the meat.
What spices are used to season Romanian Mititei?
The seasoning includes seasoning salt, fresh ground pepper, ground allspice, dried dill, and dried summer savory.
What is the purpose of adding beef stock to the meat?
Beef stock is added gradually while kneading the meat to create a very soft and pliable consistency before chilling.
How much beef stock should I use?
The recipe calls for up to 1 cup, but you should add it gradually and may not need the entire amount to reach the desired consistency.
How long should the Mititei mixture be refrigerated initially?
The mixture should be covered and refrigerated for at least 4 hours, though overnight is recommended for the best flavor development.
What are the ideal dimensions for shaping Mititei?
Shape the meat mixture into cylinders that are approximately 1 inch in diameter and 3 inches long.
Why do the sausages need to be chilled a second time?
Chilling the shaped sausages for an additional 3 to 4 hours helps them firm up so they hold their shape better on the grill.
What is the best way to cook Mititei?
Grilling on high heat is the traditional method, but you can also use a broiler or a gas grill if charcoal is not available.
How long does it take to grill Mititei?
They usually take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to cook, depending on the heat of the grill.
How often should I turn the sausages while grilling?
Turn them often during the cooking process to ensure even browning and to prevent the exterior from burning.
What should the interior of the cooked Mititei look like?
They should be nicely browned on the outside with a slightly pink interior when finished.
Can I use a charcoal grill for this recipe?
Yes, if using charcoal, ensure the coals are glowing red and have a light coating of ash before you start grilling.
What are some suggested side dishes for Mititei?
They are perfectly complemented by a side of rice pilaf or can be served inside a fresh hot dog bun.
Is it okay to use beef bouillon instead of stock?
Yes, beef bouillon can be used as a substitute for beef stock in this recipe.
What does 'summer savory' add to the recipe?
Summer savory is a traditional herb that provides an earthy, aromatic flavor profile common in Romanian cuisine.
Can I use lean ground beef instead of ground chuck?
While possible, ground chuck is preferred because the higher fat content prevents the sausages from becoming dry during high-heat grilling.
Are these sausages gluten-free?
Based on the listed ingredients, these sausages are gluten-free, provided your seasoning salt and beef stock do not contain hidden gluten.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: ground chuck, seasoning salt, pepper, baking soda, garlic, allspice, dill, summer savory, and beef stock.
Do I need a sausage casing for Mititei?
No, Mititei are casing-free sausages; they are shaped by hand into cylinders.
Can I make the meat mixture a day in advance?
Yes, refrigerating the meat mixture overnight is actually optimal for flavor development.
What makes Mititei a good BBQ food?
Their high fat content allows them to stay juicy over high heat, and their finger-food shape makes them easy to serve at gatherings.
How much seasoning salt is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt for 2 lbs of meat.
How much dried dill is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of dried dill.
How much ground allspice should I add?
Only one pinch of ground allspice is needed to add a subtle hint of spice.
Is this recipe suitable for a broiler?
Yes, if a grill is unavailable, you can achieve similar results using your oven's broiler.
What is the origin of this dish?
Mititei is a traditional Romanian dish, often found at street fairs and family barbecues.
What should I do if the meat mixture is too stiff?
Gradually knead in more beef stock until the mixture reaches a very soft and pliable consistency.