Sheftalia
Sheftalia are traditional Cypriot sausages, typically made from a mixture of minced pork and lamb, seasoned with herbs like parsley and mint, and often wrapped in caul fat before grilling or baking. They are a popular meze dish and street food.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Ground pork
- 250 g Ground lamb
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsley(finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup Fresh mint(finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- approx. 500 g Caul fat (peritoneum)(rinsed and patted dry)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, ground lamb, chopped onion, parsley, mint, salt, and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure all ingredients are well distributed. - 2
Mix the ingredients thoroughly with your hands until well combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the sheftalia tough.
- 3
Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into elongated sausage-like forms, about 4-5 inches long and 1 inch thick.
- 4
Lay out a piece of caul fat. Place a shaped meat mixture onto the caul fat and wrap it snugly, tucking in the ends to create a neat parcel. Repeat with the remaining mixture and caul fat.
- 5
Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (around 200°C or 400°F).
- 6
Grill or bake the sheftalia for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The caul fat should be crispy.
- 7
Serve hot, typically with pita bread, salad, and lemon wedges.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If caul fat is unavailable, you can form the sheftalia without it and grill or bake them, though they may be slightly drier.
- ✓For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cumin or a small amount of garlic to the meat mixture.
- ✓Ensure the caul fat is well-rinsed to remove any impurities.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include a small amount of finely chopped tomato in the meat mixture.
- Can be served as part of a meze platter.