Romanian Mititei: Grilled Flavorful Beef Sausages
Mititei, also known as 'little ones,' are a beloved Romanian delicacy that captures the essence of traditional Balkan cuisine. The intriguing origin of these sausages dates back to an evening at La Iordachi inn in Bucharest, where a shortage of sausage casings led to the creation of this unique recipe. Packed with garlic and aromatic spices, these moist, flavorful sausages are perfect for grilling. They embody simplicity and rustic charm, offering a bite of history and culture with every serving. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer at gatherings or as a main dish paired with sides like potatoes, Mititei are a delightful treat that brings the taste of Romania to your table. This recipe yields 40 sausages, making it perfect for sharing and celebrations.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
2 lbs (none)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
garlic cloves
3 (peeled and crushed into a paste)
baking soda
2 teaspoons (none)
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (none)
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (crumbled)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (hot or sweet (your choice))
caraway seed
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
water
2 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, extra virgin olive oil, crushed garlic, baking soda, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, paprika, caraway seeds, and 2 tablespoons of water. Mix thoroughly.
2
Season the mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then knead with your hands for approximately 5 minutes. Keep your hands moist with water to ensure the mixture remains pliable and doesn't stick.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 5 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
4
After chilling, take the mixture out of the fridge. With wet hands, shape about 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture into balls and then roll them into sausages approximately 3 inches long and 1 inch thick.
5
Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Cook the sausages in batches, turning them frequently for even browning and cooking. This should take about 10 minutes until the sausages are well browned and cooked through.
6
Serve immediately, either as a hearty hors d'oeuvre or as part of a delicious entrée alongside potatoes or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mititei?
Mititei, also known as 'little ones,' are a traditional Romanian delicacy consisting of flavorful grilled beef sausages made without casings.
What does the name Mititei mean?
The name Mititei translates to 'little ones' in Romanian.
Where did Mititei originate?
They originated at the La Iordachi inn in Bucharest, Romania.
Why are Mititei prepared without casings?
History suggests they were created when an inn ran out of sausage casings and decided to grill the meat mixture directly.
What meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 2 lbs of lean ground beef.
How many sausages does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes approximately 40 sausages.
What is the purpose of baking soda in the meat mixture?
Baking soda is used to help achieve the specific moist and springy texture traditional to Romanian Mititei.
How long should I knead the meat?
You should knead the meat mixture with your hands for approximately 5 minutes.
Why should I keep my hands wet while kneading and shaping?
Keeping your hands moist prevents the beef mixture from sticking to your skin and ensures it remains pliable.
How long does the meat need to refrigerate?
The mixture should be refrigerated for a minimum of 5 hours.
Why is the chilling step important?
Refrigeration allows the aromatic spices and garlic flavors to meld and helps the texture firm up for easier shaping.
What are the ideal dimensions for each sausage?
Each sausage should be approximately 3 inches long and 1 inch thick.
How much meat mixture should I use per sausage?
Use about 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture to shape each individual sausage.
How do you cook Mititei?
Heat a grill pan over medium heat and cook the sausages in batches until well browned.
How long does it take to grill Mititei?
It takes about 10 minutes for the sausages to be well browned and cooked through.
How often should I turn the sausages while cooking?
Turn the sausages frequently to ensure even browning and cooking on all sides.
What aromatic spices are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes dried thyme, red pepper flakes, paprika, and caraway seeds.
What kind of paprika is best for Mititei?
You can use either hot or sweet paprika depending on your personal taste preference.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be peeled and crushed into a smooth paste.
Can Mititei be served as an appetizer?
Yes, they are commonly served as a hearty appetizer or hors d'oeuvre at gatherings.
What side dishes pair well with Mititei?
They are delicious when paired with potatoes or a fresh garden salad.
Is oil added to the beef mixture?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How much water is added to the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of water to be mixed into the meat.
What cuisine does this dish belong to?
Mititei is a staple of traditional Romanian and Balkan cuisine.
Should the sausages be served immediately?
Yes, they should be served immediately after cooking for the best flavor and texture.
What is the significance of caraway seeds in this dish?
Caraway seeds provide a distinct, traditional aromatic flavor that is characteristic of authentic Mititei.
Is the meat seasoned with salt and pepper?
Yes, the mixture is seasoned to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
What makes these sausages moist?
The combination of baking soda, olive oil, and water helps keep the sausages juicy during grilling.
Can I use an outdoor grill for this recipe?
Yes, while the recipe mentions a grill pan, these are traditionally perfect for outdoor grilling.
What type of ground beef is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using lean ground beef.