Cevapi Recipe

Cook Time: 35 minutes  

   Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cevapi Ingredients

Cevapi Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, and ground pork thoroughly using your hands until the meats are evenly distributed.
  2. Add the grated yellow onion, finely minced garlic, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground white pepper, dried marjoram, and finely chopped fresh parsley to the meat mixture.
  3. Sprinkle the baking soda evenly over the mixture, then pour in the sparkling water and extra virgin olive oil.
  4. Mix all ingredients together with your hands for several minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and well combined, ensuring the spices and aromatics are evenly incorporated.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the meat mixture for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
  6. With damp hands, take about 2 tablespoons of the chilled meat mixture and shape it into a small, finger-length sausage, about 3 to 4 inches long and 3/4 inch thick. Repeat until all the mixture is used, placing the shaped cevapi on a tray.
  7. Preheat your grill or a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it is very hot.
  8. Lightly oil the grill grates or skillet to prevent sticking.
  9. Place the cevapi on the hot grill or skillet, leaving a little space between each piece. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side without moving them.
  10. Turn the cevapi and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until all sides are browned and the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C).
  11. Transfer the cooked cevapi to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Estimated Calories: 290, Servings: 4

Recommended Dishes

Cevapi Pairings

If you are on a quest for the best flavors to accompany your meal, look no further than the zesty and tangy world of Balkan condiments. Ajvar, a roasted red pepper spread, is a delicious and healthy addition that brings a smoky sweetness to the table. For those who like a quick kick, a dollop of kajmak, a creamy dairy spread, is a good way to add richness without much fuss. These flavors are not just easy to love, they are also fast to disappear from the plate, so be sure to make extra if you are following a recipe for a crowd!
Now, let us talk about sides, because every great main needs a trusty sidekick. Lepinja, a fluffy flatbread, is the best friend your meal never knew it needed. It is perfect for scooping, wrapping, or just soaking up all the juicy goodness. If you are feeling adventurous, a quick and easy chopped salad with tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers adds a fresh, healthy crunch. And do not forget the fries! They are a fast and delicious way to round out your plate, and honestly, who can resist a good fry?
For drinks, you have a world of options, but let us keep it fun and festive. A cold glass of yogurt-based ayran is a classic, healthy, and refreshing non-alcoholic choice that pairs well with the savory flavors. If you are in the mood for something a bit more spirited, a shot of rakija, the region's famous fruit brandy, is a great way to toast to a good meal. Whether you go for a quick sip or a leisurely drink, these beverages are easy to prepare and guaranteed to make your meal feel like a celebration. Cheers to delicious pairings!

About Cevapi Recipe

If you're on a quest for the best homemade recipe that's both easy and delicious, look no further than this authentic Cevapi delight! These tasty little sausages are a staple in Balkan cuisine, and with just a handful of simple ingredients, you'll be amazed at how quick it is to whip up a batch. Wondering how to make the perfect Cevapi at home? The secret is in the blend of meats and a few clever tips that guarantee juicy, flavorful results every time.
Let's talk about the magic behind this recipe. The best Cevapi are all about balance-just the right mix of beef and lamb, a sprinkle of spices, and a dash of love (or at least a good sense of humor while kneading the meat). This easy recipe doesn't require any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing your friends at a weekend BBQ. If you want to know how to make your Cevapi extra tasty, don't skip the resting time for the meat mixture-trust us, it's worth the wait!
For those who crave authentic flavor, this recipe delivers the real deal. Serve your homemade Cevapi with fluffy flatbread, chopped onions, and a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate experience. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, these quick and simple steps will have you grilling up the best Cevapi in no time. So grab your ingredients, follow these tips, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, mouthwatering meal that's sure to become a family favorite!

Cevapi History

Cevapi's cultural origins are a great example of how food can bring people together, even if they sometimes argue about who makes it best. This delicious dish has roots that stretch back to the Ottoman Empire, which means it has been around longer than most of our favorite TV shows. The recipe was likely inspired by Turkish kebabs, but over time, the Balkans put their own spin on it, making it a staple at every good Bosnian gathering. If you ever want to make friends fast in Bosnia, just show up with a plate of cevapi and watch the magic happen.
As with any good recipe, cevapi has evolved over the years, adapting to changing tastes and the availability of ingredients. What started as a simple, easy meal for travelers and soldiers has become a beloved comfort food that's both quick to prepare and healthy, depending on who you ask (and how many you eat). The best part is that every family claims their version is the most authentic, leading to some friendly, and sometimes not so friendly, neighborhood competitions. It is a great example of how a recipe can be both traditional and open to interpretation, making it endlessly interesting.
Regional adaptations of cevapi are a delicious testament to the creativity of the Balkans. In Bosnia, you'll find the classic version, but cross a border and suddenly the size, shape, and even the bread can change faster than you can say "yum." Some places add extra spices, others keep it simple, but everyone agrees that a good cevapi is worth the effort. It is amazing how a quick and easy dish can inspire so much regional pride and healthy debate about which version is truly the best. If you ever want to start a great conversation in the Balkans, just ask, "Who has the best cevapi recipe?" and enjoy the show!

Cevapi Tips

Ready to make your Cevapi recipe the star of the Balkan barbecue? For the best, most authentic results, focus on the grind-no, not your dance moves, but the meat! A fine grind is key for that perfect, juicy texture. If you want your homemade Cevapi to be extra tasty, mix the ingredients by hand until sticky. This simple tip helps the flavors meld and gives you that delicious, springy bite everyone loves.
Wondering how to make your Cevapi recipe even more irresistible? Chill the mixture before shaping. This quick trick makes rolling those little sausages a breeze and keeps them from falling apart on the grill. For the best flavor, let the mixture rest overnight-trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
Don't forget the classic accompaniments! Serve your easy Cevapi with fluffy flatbread, diced onions, and a dollop of creamy kajmak. These simple sides turn your meal into a true Bosnian feast. Want to impress? Brush the Cevapi with a touch of oil before grilling for that perfect, mouthwatering char.
For extra points, use a mix of meats-this is the secret ingredient to a truly authentic and delicious Cevapi recipe. And remember, the best Cevapi are all about balance: not too salty, not too spicy, just perfectly tasty. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll have a quick, easy, and unforgettable dish every time!

Cevapi Story

The first time I tried to whip up this recipe, I was convinced it would be a quick and easy win. Spoiler alert: it was neither quick nor easy. I got a little too enthusiastic with the seasoning, thinking more is always better, but apparently, there is such a thing as too much garlic. My kitchen smelled like a vampire's worst nightmare for days. The best part? My family still bravely tried it, and we all learned that sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to strong flavors.
On another occasion, I thought I could take a shortcut and use a fast cooking method to save time. Turns out, patience is a virtue for a reason. The result was a batch that looked great on the outside but was suspiciously underdone in the middle. Not exactly the delicious outcome I had hoped for. That experience taught me that good things really do come to those who wait, and that following the recipe instructions is not just a suggestion but a lifeline.
After a few more attempts, I finally realized that making a healthy and tasty meal is not about rushing or cutting corners. It is about enjoying the process and learning from each little disaster along the way. Now, I take my time, trust the steps, and have a great time laughing at my past mistakes. Cooking has become less about perfection and more about having fun, and that has made all the difference in creating meals that are both delicious and memorable.