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Ćevapčići

Balkan · Main

Juicy, hand-shaped Balkan grilled sausages made with a savory blend of beef and lamb, seasoned with garlic and black pepper. A staple of Eastern European cuisine, best served with lepinja bread, ajvar, and onions.

IntermediateHigh proteinGluten free
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Ćevapčići — recipe cover
35 minA little patience, a lot of flavor
Prep time20 min
Cook time15 min
Servings4 people
DifficultyIntermediate
Let's make something good

How to make it

5 steps. Take it one step at a time.

  1. Combine the ground beef, ground lamb, and finely minced garlic

    In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, and finely minced garlic.

  2. Add the salt, black pepper, baking soda, and sparkling water

    Add the salt, black pepper, baking soda, and sparkling water to the meat. Knead the mixture thoroughly with your hands for about 5-10 minutes. This kneading is essential to achieve the right consistency.

    10 min
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.

    4 hr
  4. Remove the meat from the fridge and shape

    Remove the meat from the fridge and shape into small sausages, about 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Wet your hands with a little water to prevent sticking.

  5. Preheat your grill

    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill the sausages, turning frequently, for about 10-12 minutes until browned on all sides and cooked through.

    12 min

A little kitchen wisdom

For the best texture, the meat mixture should rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the baking soda to tenderize the meat. Traditionally grilled over charcoal for a smoky flavor.

What you'll need

GrillMixing bowlPlastic wrap
Keep the good going

For now. And for later.

Make it ahead

The meat mixture MUST be made ahead to rest for at least 4 hours. Shaped sausages can be frozen on a tray before being transferred to a bag.

Store & enjoy

Store leftover grilled sausages in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in a pan or microwave. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water to keep them moist.

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An AI-created recipe from the EZdish collection. Ingredient quantities and techniques have not been independently kitchen-tested. Published on this website . Updated . First published in the EZdish collection .

Ćevapčići
Step 1 of 5

Combine the ground beef, ground lamb, and finely minced garlic

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, and finely minced garlic.