Authentic Bosnian Ćevapi

Ingredients

• 500g ground beef (1.1 lb) 500g ground beef (1.1 lb)
• 250g ground lamb (0.55 lb) 250g ground lamb (0.55 lb)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 25g (10g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 2g (0g sugars)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and baking soda. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. 3.
   Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Divide the meat mixture into small portions and shape them into finger-sized sausages, approximately 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) long.
5. 5.
   Brush the sausages with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
6. 6.
   Grill the Ćevapi for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
7. 7.
   Serve the sizzling Ćevapi hot with warm bread, ajvar sauce, and a side of chopped onions.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef and lamb — Use lean cuts of meat for a healthier option and ensure the meat is well-chilled before mixing to enhance the texture of the Ćevapi.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the meat mixture.
• Serve the Ćevapi with warm pita bread or traditional Bosnian somun bread for an authentic experience.
• Ajvar sauce, sour cream, and chopped onions are classic accompaniments to enhance the flavors of the Ćevapi.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the sausages on a stovetop grill pan or in the oven under the broiler.
• Leftover Ćevapi can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick and delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the sizzling Ćevapi on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro. Accompany them with warm bread, ajvar sauce, and a side of chopped onions for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled Ćevapi neatly on the platter, placing a small bowl of ajvar sauce in the center. Sprinkle some chopped parsley or cilantro over the sausages for a pop of color. Serve with warm bread on the side to complete the presentation.