Cârnaţi de Pleşcoi with Smoky Paprika Sauce

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 28g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
• Carbohydrates: 4g (Sugars: 1g)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, minced garlic, ground coriander, caraway seeds, salt, black pepper, paprika, and chili powder. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a sausage, about 10cm (4 inches) long. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
3. 3.
   Preheat a grill or a pan over medium heat. Cook the sausages for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through.
4. 4.
   In a separate saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomato paste, sweet paprika, and water. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
6. 6.
   Serve the cooked sausages with the smoky paprika sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground coriander — Toasting the coriander seeds before grinding them will enhance their flavor.
• Caraway seeds — Crush the caraway seeds slightly using a mortar and pestle to release their aroma.
• Tomato paste — Use high-quality tomato paste for a richer and more intense flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce the amount of chili powder in the sausages and the smoky paprika sauce.
• Serve the Cârnaţi de Pleşcoi with crusty bread or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• For a smokier flavor, you can add a dash of liquid smoke to the sausages before cooking them.

Serving advice

Serve the Cârnaţi de Pleşcoi hot, with the smoky paprika sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cooked sausages on a platter, drizzle the smoky paprika sauce over them, and sprinkle with additional paprika for an eye-catching presentation. Serve with a side of fresh vegetables or a salad to complete the dish.