Ćevapi sa Kajmakom
Grilled minced meat sausages, a beloved Balkan specialty. Ćevapi are typically served with a generous dollop of kajmak, a rich, creamy dairy product, and often accompanied by flatbread (lepinja) and chopped onions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Ground beef
- 250 g Ground lamb
- 1 medium Onion(finely grated or minced)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 50 ml Sparkling water or milk(optional, for juicier ćevapi)
- 200 g Kajmak(for serving)
- 4 pieces Lepinja or pita bread(for serving)
- 1 medium Chopped raw onion(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, baking soda, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
💡 Tip: The baking soda helps tenderize the meat and gives it a slightly springy texture. - 2
If using, add the sparkling water or milk and mix again. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
- 3
Shape the meat mixture into small, finger-shaped sausages, about 2-3 inches long and 1 inch thick. Moisten your hands with water to prevent sticking.
💡 Tip: Ensure consistent size for even cooking. - 4
Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates.
💡 Tip: A hot grill is essential for good searing. - 5
Grill the ćevapi for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the grill.
💡 Tip: Turn them only once or twice to develop a good crust. - 6
While the ćevapi are grilling, warm the lepinja or pita bread on the grill for a minute or two until soft and slightly toasted.
- 7
Serve the hot ćevapi immediately, nestled inside the warm lepinja. Top generously with kajmak and a sprinkle of chopped raw onion.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The quality of the meat is crucial for delicious ćevapi.
- ✓Don't skip the refrigeration step; it's vital for texture and flavor.
- ✓Kajmak can be homemade or store-bought. If unavailable, a mix of sour cream and heavy cream can be a substitute, though less authentic.
- ✓Serve with ajvar (a roasted red pepper spread) for an even more traditional experience.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include a small amount of paprika or red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- A mix of beef, pork, and lamb is also common in some regions.