Ćevapi: The Heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina Barbecue

Ćevapi are homemade traditional skinless sausages available in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You’ll need ground beef, lamb, pork, or a mixture of all with spices to make this recipe.

In this recipe, we’ll use beef and lamb. 

Ćevapi is ideal for barbecue gatherings with friends and family. It goes with ketchup, sour cream, or feta cheese.

Before we get to the recipe, let’s look at the history.

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Background and Origin

Ćevapi is a Bosnian and Herzegovina recipe from Travnik. It’s a traditional national dish of Persian origin, meaning fried meat. But there are even traces in ancient Greece. 

For many years, however, Ćevapi were only associated with Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina since they are part of Sarajevo’s tradition and culture.

This dish is seasoned with salt, pepper, and baking soda and involves a blend of beef, veal, mutton, and lamb. The meat is often brushed with a clear broth made from beef bones and mutton after grilling.

How to prepare Ćevapi in 5 Steps

Key Ingredients

• 2 lbs Lean ground beef: rich in B Vitamins, iron,  vitamin E, selenium and healthy fats. Ground beef is also rich in high-quality protein that improves muscle growth.
• 1 lb ground lamb: Ground lamb has essential vitamins and minerals that improve our well-being. Consuming lamb regularly may promote muscle growth, maintenance, and performance.
• 1 egg white: rich in protein and builds muscle mass. It lowers cholesterol. For this recipe, the egg white helps to hold the meat together.
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped: Consuming garlic in your diet improves heart health, lowers cholesterol, and helps fight the common cold.
• 1 tsp kosher salt: rich in sodium, which maintains nerve function.
• 1 tsp baking soda: treats heartburn, prevents cancer, and treats kidney problems.
• 2 tsp black pepper: a valuable source of manganese, a mineral that aids in bone health, wound healing, and metabolism 
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper: helps in relieving pain, treating colds and reducing inflammation.
• 1 tsp ground paprika: protects against cardiovascular disease, purifies the blood, and helps produce red blood cells.
• 1 onion, chopped: an excellent source of fiber and helps lower bad cholesterol.

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Instructions 

1. In a big bowl, add the ground beef and ground lamb. Add white egg and garlic, baking soda, and salt. Scoop in the black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, and finely chopped onion.
2. Mix thoroughly with your clean hand and refrigerate for 12 hours to marinate.
3. Mold them in sausage-like shapes.
4. Grill the mixed meat until it’s cooked.
5. Serve with ketchup and bread with a dose of Chimichurri. 

Conclusion

Ćevapi is the ideal meal for brunch or lunch if you’re hosting family for a barbecue. You can also make it anytime for yourself. Remember, you can adjust the ingredients to your taste.

Happy cooking!