Cevapcici

Savor the bold and irresistible flavors of *Cevapcici*, a beloved Balkan dish made with a perfectly seasoned blend of ground beef and pork. This recipe combines the warmth of smoked and sweet paprika, the kick of garlic, and a hint of cumin to create juicy, flavorful sausage-like rolls that are grilled to perfection. The addition of chilled water ensures the mixture stays tender and moist, while a brief rest in the refrigerator allows the spices to meld beautifully. Quick to prepare and ready in under 30 minutes of cooking, these grilled delights make an ideal centerpiece for a hearty meal. Traditionally served with warm flatbread, sliced onions, and a dollop of ajvar, *Cevapcici* is a simple yet authentic taste of Balkan cuisine that’s perfect for sharing. Great for summer grilling or weeknight dinners, this recipe offers an easy way to explore vibrant flavors with minimal fuss.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 g ground beef
• 250 g ground pork
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp ground cumin
• 120 ml chilled water
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and ground cumin.

Step 3

Use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients until the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 4

Gradually add the chilled water, a little at a time, mixing well after each addition, until fully incorporated. This will make the mixture soft and sticky.

Step 5

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.

Step 6

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Step 7

While the grill is heating, shape the meat mixture into small logs or sausages, about 4 inches long and 1 inch thick, using your hands.

Step 8

Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 9

Grill the cevapcici for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice char on the outside.

Step 10

Remove from the grill and serve hot, traditionally with flatbread, sliced onions, and ajvar or your preferred condiments.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(914.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2011.2

Total Fat 155.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 57.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 579.0mg	0%
Sodium 4664.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 7.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.6g	0%
Total Sugars 0.5g
Protein 141.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 158.1mg	0%
Iron 14.1mg	0%
Potassium 1384.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 70.2%

Protein: 28.3%

Carbs: 1.5%