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Few dishes capture the essence of Romanian cuisine as perfectly as The Best Romanian Cevapcici. These mouthwatering, spiced sausages are a beloved staple not only in Romania but throughout the Balkans, known for their rich flavors and satisfying texture. Whether grilled at family gatherings or enjoyed as street food, The Best Romanian Cevapcici offer a unique blend of beef, pork, garlic, and spices that create an unforgettable experience for meat lovers. In this post, we’ll guide you through how to prepare The Best Romanian Cevapcici, including essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips for perfecting this classic dish.
Origin of Cevapcici
Cevapcici, often referred to simply as ćevapi, have a rich and diverse history rooted in the culinary traditions of the Balkans. While their exact origin is debated, they are believed to have been influenced by the region’s historical migrations and culinary exchanges among various cultures, including the Ottoman Empire, which introduced many meat dishes to the Balkans.
Key Points About Their Origin:
- Balkan Tradition: Cevapcici are widely enjoyed in several Balkan countries, including Romania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia. Each country has its own variation, adapting the spices and cooking methods to local tastes.
- Ottoman Influence: The name “cevapi” is derived from the Turkish word “kebap,” which refers to grilled meat dishes. The introduction of minced meat grilling techniques during the Ottoman rule greatly influenced the culinary practices of the region.
- Street Food Culture: Cevapcici are often served as street food, grilled over open flames and enjoyed at outdoor markets and festivals. They have become a symbol of social gatherings and celebrations, representing the communal spirit of Balkan dining.
- Cultural Significance: In Romania, cevapcici are often enjoyed during summer barbecues and family gatherings, reflecting the country’s love for grilling and outdoor cooking. They are typically served with flatbread, pickled vegetables, and various sauces.
Ingredients for the Perfect Cevapcici
To create authentic Romanian cevapcici, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 700g mixed minced meat (beef and pork): This combination yields a juicy and flavorful sausage.
- 180-200 ml beef bone broth: The broth adds moisture and depth to the meat.
- 15g garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sausages with aromatic flavor.
- 7g baking soda + 15 ml lemon juice: This duo helps tenderize the meat and enhances its texture.
- 6g salt: Essential for seasoning the meat.
- 1/2 tablespoon thyme: A subtle herb that complements the meat beautifully.
- 2g black pepper: Adds a mild heat and enhances flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili: For those who like a little kick!
How To Make The Best Romanian Cevapcici
1. Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the mixed minced meat with the minced garlic, baking soda mixed with lemon juice, salt, thyme, black pepper, and chili. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated into the meat.
2. Add the Broth
Gradually incorporate the beef bone broth into the meat mixture. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the sausages remain juicy during cooking. Continue mixing until the broth is fully integrated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
3. Shape the Cevapcici
After marinating overnight, remove the mixture from the refrigerator. With damp hands, shape the mixture into small sausages, approximately 8-10 cm long and 3 cm wide. This size is ideal for grilling and ensures even cooking.
4. Cook the Cevapcici
When you’re ready to cook, heat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the surface with oil to prevent sticking. Place the shaped cevapcici on the grill or skillet, turning them occasionally to ensure they are browned and cooked through. This should take about 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your sausages.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve the cevapcici hot, accompanied by your favorite garnishes. They pair wonderfully with mustard, flatbread, fresh salad, yogurt sauce, or ajvar—a traditional Balkan pepper-based condiment. These accompaniments enhance the experience, providing contrasting flavors and textures that elevate the meal.
Tips for the Perfect Cevapcici
- Meat Quality: Use high-quality minced meat for the best flavor. Fresh meat from a trusted butcher is recommended.
- Resting Time: Allowing the meat mixture to rest overnight is crucial for flavor development.
- Grilling Tips: For a smoky flavor, consider grilling your cevapcici over charcoal. If using a skillet, ensure it’s preheated for even cooking.
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. Adding paprika or cumin can introduce new dimensions to the flavor.
Storage Tips for Cevapcici
Proper storage of cevapcici is essential to maintain their flavor, texture, and safety. Here are some guidelines:
1. Refrigeration:
- Fresh Cevapcici: If you’ve just prepared the cevapcici and plan to cook them within a day or two, store them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can typically be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
2. Freezing:
- For Longer Storage: If you want to store cevapcici for a longer period, freezing is the best option. Here’s how to do it:
- Pre-Cooked Cevapcici: Allow the cooked cevapcici to cool completely before placing them in an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the grill or in a skillet.
- Raw Cevapcici: If you have shaped but uncooked cevapcici, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for about an hour until they are firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. Thawing:
- When ready to use frozen cevapcici, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator to maintain safety and quality. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can encourage bacterial growth.
4. Reheating:
- For Cooked Cevapcici: Reheat them on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This method helps retain their juiciness and flavor.
- For Raw Cevapcici: Cook them as per the original recipe, ensuring they are cooked thoroughly before serving.
The Best Romanian Cevapcici
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl For combining the meat and spices
- Measuring Cups To measure out ingredients accurately
- Garlic Press For mincing garlic efficiently
- Grill For cooking the cevapcici
- Spatula For flipping the sausages while cooking
- Cutting Board For preparing garlic and any garnishes
- Knife For chopping and mincing ingredients
- Serving Platter To present the cooked cevapcici
Ingredients
- 700 g mixed minced meat
- 180-200 ml beef bone broth
- 15 g garlic
- 7g baking soda + 15 ml lemon juice
- 6 g salt
- ½ tbsp thyme
- 2 g black pepper
- ½ tsp chili
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed minced meat with minced garlic, baking soda mixed with lemon juice, salt, thyme, black pepper, and chili powder.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gradually add the beef bone broth to the mixture, continuing to mix until the broth is fully absorbed into the meat.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
- Shape the mixture into small sausages, about 8-10 cm long and 3 cm wide.
- Preheat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat and lightly grease the surface with oil.
- Cook the cevapcici for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Serve hot with garnishes like mustard, flatbread, salad, yogurt sauce, or ajvar.
