Beef Cevapi

Beef Cevapi, a classic dish from the Balkans, is a small, flavourful grilled sausage known for its savoury, juicy profile. These skinless sausages are typically made with a blend of ground meats and aromatics, and are cherished throughout Southeastern Europe for their distinctive smoky taste. Cevapi are often served with ajvar (a roasted red pepper spread), raw onions, and flatbreads like pita – a perfect combination that brings out the best in their flavour.

INGREDIENTS

Cevapi Mixture:
400 g minced beef
1 brown onion, grated
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon sweet paprika powder
3 teaspoons carbonated mineral water
1/3 teaspoon baking soda
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Cooking:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
30 ml water

To Serve (optional):
Red onion, thinly sliced
Ajvar or your favorite sauce
Pickled peppers
Fresh parsley or coriander
Cabbage salad
Pita bread or rice

METHOD

1. Prepare the Cevapi Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the minced beef, grated onion, minced garlic, sweet paprika, mineral water, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until the ingredients are evenly distributed and well combined.

2. Shape the Cevapi

Take about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture at a time and shape it into small sausages, approximately 10 cm (4 inches) long and 2 cm (3/4 inch) wide. Place each cevapi on a platter.

3. Refrigerate (Optional but Recommended)

For best results, refrigerate the cevapi for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible. Chilling helps the flavours meld and firms up the cevapi, making them easier to handle when cooking.

4. Cook the Cevapi

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the cevapi in the pan in a single layer (you may need to cook them in batches). Fry for about 10–15 minutes, turning as needed until all sides are golden brown and evenly cooked.

5. Deglaze with Water

For extra flavour, add 30 ml of water to the pan during the last 3 minutes of cooking. This will deglaze the pan, creating a delicious sauce that’s perfect for dipping or soaking up with bread.

6. Serve

Plate the cevapi alongside a selection of accompaniments such as ajvar, red onion slices, pickled peppers, and fresh parsley or coriander. Serve with pita bread or a side of rice to complete this Balkan-inspired feast.

Serving Tips

Enjoy your Beef Cevapi hot off the pan with traditional side dishes for an authentic experience. The smoky, savoury flavours pair exceptionally well with the tangy bite of pickled peppers and the freshness of herbs, making each bite an explosion of flavour.

Whether you’re planning a casual meal or a festive spread, this Beef Cevapi recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!