Cevapi Recipe: The Best Balkan Street Food You Need to Try
Cevapi recipe
Today on the Takrecipe website, we are bringing you Cevapi, the famous Balkan grilled sausage that’s beloved in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Croatia. This dish consists of minced meat, typically a mix of beef and lamb, seasoned with spices and grilled to perfection. Cevapi is traditionally served with lepinja (soft flatbread), finely chopped onions, and condiments like ajvar (red pepper relish) and kajmak (a creamy dairy spread). If you love smoky, juicy grilled meat with bold flavors, this is the perfect recipe for you!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 500g ground beef (or a mix of beef and lamb)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp sparkling water (for tenderness)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- For Serving:
- 4 pieces of lepinja (or pita bread)
- 1 cup finely chopped onions
- ½ cup ajvar (red pepper relish)
- ½ cup kajmak (or sour cream)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef (or beef and lamb mixture), minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, baking soda, and grated onion. Add sparkling water and olive oil, then mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are well combined. Cover the bowl and let the mixture rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to allow the flavors to blend.
Shape the Cevapi:
Take a small portion of the meat mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and roll it into a small cylindrical shape, approximately 7-8 cm (3 inches) long. Repeat with the remaining mixture and place them on a tray lined with parchment paper.
Grill the Cevapi:
Preheat a grill pan or outdoor barbecue over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill to prevent sticking. Place the cevapi on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are evenly browned and have a slightly crispy exterior. Avoid pressing down on them so they retain their juices.
Prepare the Flatbread:
While the cevapi are grilling, warm up the lepinja (flatbread) on the grill for about 1-2 minutes per side until it’s slightly charred and soft.
Assemble and Serve:
Serve the hot cevapi in warm lepinja, accompanied by finely chopped onions, ajvar, and kajmak. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Tips:
Use Quality Meat:
🟢The best cevapi have a juicy and tender texture, so using a combination of beef and lamb gives them the perfect balance of flavor. If using only beef, choose one with a higher fat content.
Rest the Meat Mixture:
🟢Allowing the mixture to rest in the refrigerator for a few hours enhances the flavors and helps the ingredients bind together, resulting in a more tender bite.
Grill at the Right Temperature:
🟢Cooking cevapi over medium-high heat ensures they get a beautiful crust without drying out. Avoid overcooking to keep them juicy.