Authentic Cevapi Recipe - Experience 100% Grill Delight from the Balkans

 

The flavors of Balkan cuisine take us on a culinary journey full of taste and tradition. Among the numerous delicacies this region has to offer, Cevapi stand at the top of the list. These spicy minced meat rolls are a true delight for the senses and can be prepared at home with just a few ingredients. In this article, we delve deep into the world of Cevapi and present an authentic recipe for you to easily make this exquisite specialty yourself.

The art of preparing Cevapi lies not only in the selection of ingredients but also in the right technique. A good Cevapi recipe combines carefully chosen spices with high-quality meat to create a flavor explosion that you won't soon forget. But before we delve into the details, let's take a look at the history of this delicious Balkan specialty.

The History of Cevapi: A Culinary Tradition

Cevapi have their roots in the countries of former Yugoslavia and have been a staple of regional cuisine for centuries. Originally prepared by shepherds who grilled their meals over open fires, the simple preparation and rich taste quickly made Cevapi a popular dish that spread beyond the borders of the Balkans over time.

Today, Cevapi are served in many restaurants around the world and are also available in supermarkets as pre-made meat rolls. However, nothing can compare to the taste and authenticity of a homemade Cevapi recipe. By using fresh ingredients and paying attention to detail, you can create a dish at home that captures the essence of Balkan cuisine.

Making Cevapi at Home: The Art of Preparation

Now it's time to get to work and make Cevapi yourself. The following recipe will guide you step by step through the process and show you how easy it is to prepare this exquisite specialty in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Authentic Cevapcici

• 1 kg mixed minced meat (preferably 60% beef, 40% lamb)
• 20 grams salt
• 2 tsp white pepper
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 onion
• 1 g baking soda
• 100 ml water

For original Cevapcici, you don't need many ingredients. An essential component is baking soda, which gives Cevapcici their special texture. A good tip is to use mixed minced meat with a combination of 60% beef and 40% lamb to achieve the ideal composition.

Preparation

Begin by chopping the onion and garlic into pieces and boiling them with water. Once the broth has cooled, strain it and add it to the minced meat along with the other ingredients.

It is important to knead the mixture well for at least 15 minutes. This ensures that all the flavors are thoroughly incorporated.

After kneading, shape the minced meat mixture into small, thumb-sized Cevapi. Cevapi are not large; they typically weigh about 20-25 grams each.

Once the Cevapi are shaped, cover them and let them sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This allows them to develop their flavor.

How to Grill Cevapi Properly

After the Cevapi have been in the refrigerator for 24 hours, allow them to come to room temperature first. Traditionally, Cevapi are grilled over direct heat for 5-6 minutes on charcoal. It is important during grilling that the Cevapi are constantly "in motion" to prevent them from burning and to ensure even grilling.

A tip: For even more flavor and a better texture, you can brush the Cevapi with some beef broth during grilling. When they are nicely browned on the outside and still pink inside with a slightly chewy texture, then they are perfect.

Serving Tip:

Traditionally, 10 Cevapi are always served in Lepinja bread with Kajmak or Ajvar, along with fresh onions or cabbage. The combination of flavorful Cevapi and the soft, crispy bread forms an unbeatable taste combination. Of course, Cevapi can also be enjoyed with other side dishes. For example, French fries or Djuvec rice pair exceptionally well. The versatility of the side dishes allows you to complement the taste of the Cevapi according to your personal preference. Regardless of which side dish you choose, the experience of authentic Cevapi remains unforgettable.

Cevapi Recipe on YouTube

Activate the subtitle function and check out the video for the recipe on my YouTube channel.