Cevapcici: A taste of the Balkans in your own kitchen

Anyone who has spent time holidaying in Croatia will be familiar with cevapcici. This dish is widely enjoyed there. However, you can find them throughout the Balkans, albeit under different names. They can be savoured in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Cevapcici are thought to originate from the Turkish kebab, and the name "ćevap" comes from the Turkish word "kebab".

Cevapcici are patties made from minced beef, or a mix of beef and pork. They are generously seasoned with salt, lemon pepper, coriander, paprika, garlic, and fresh herbs. Traditionally, the patties are shaped into elongated forms and skewered before being grilled. At home, they can be cooked in a pan or in the oven using the grill function. They are served with chopped onions, yogurt, ajvar, and feta cheese. If you're planning to prepare them for dinner, they are delightful with potatoes or chips. An excellent accompaniment is also pita bread.

Ingredients:

• 200 g minced beef,
• 100 g minced pork,
• 2 cloves of garlic,
• salt and lemon pepper,
• coriander, sweet and hot paprika to taste,
• half a teaspoon of baking soda (optional),
• oil for brushing the patties.

Additionally:

• skewers.

Preparation:

1. Mix the minced meat and season it with salt. Work it thoroughly and set it aside in the refrigerator overnight.
2. After this time, season the meat with lemon pepper, paprika, coriander, and garlic pressed through a garlic press (you can also add half a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with a few drops of lemon juice).
3. Shape the meat mixture into 10 cm rolls. Brush them with oil.
4. Skewer the meat and grill on a pan or bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius (convert to 200°C).