Vegan Authentic Balkan Cevapi

Dive into the bold flavors of the Balkans with this hearty and satisfying Vegan Authentic Balkan Ćevapi recipe! Perfectly seasoned with smoky paprika, cumin, and a dash of soy sauce, these plant-based sausages are made using textured vegetable protein (TVP) and chickpea flour for a robust, meaty texture. Infused with garlic, onion, and fresh parsley, they’re pan-fried to golden perfection for a deliciously crisp exterior. Ready in just 35 minutes, these vegan ćevapi are a cruelty-free twist on a classic Balkan street food, ideal for serving alongside flatbread, tangy ajvar, and fresh chopped onions. Whether you're a vegan foodie or simply exploring meat-free options, this recipe captures the authentic flavors of the region with a plant-based spin!

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Textured vegetable protein (TVP)
• 1 cup Hot water
• 1 medium Onion
• 3 large Garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon Ground smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
• 0.5 cup Chickpea flour
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the TVP with the hot water, stir well, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the TVP rehydrates and absorbs the water.

Step 2

Finely chop the onion and garlic cloves.

Step 3

In the bowl with the rehydrated TVP, add the chopped onion, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly.

Step 4

Stir in the soy sauce, tomato paste, and nutritional yeast until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 5

Gradually add the chickpea flour to the mixture, using your hands or a spatula to incorporate it well. The mixture should hold together when squeezed.

Step 6

Chop the fresh parsley finely and fold it into the mixture.

Step 7

Divide the mixture into 16 equal pieces and shape each piece into a small sausage, about 3 inches long.

Step 8

Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Step 9

Place the cevapi in the hot skillet, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.

Step 10

Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and firm, turning carefully with tongs.

Step 11

Once cooked, remove the cevapi from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 12

Serve hot with chopped onions, flatbread, and a side of ajvar or vegan sour cream.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(794.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1353.7

Total Fat 35.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3652.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 130.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.6g	0%
Total Sugars 25.8g
Protein 129.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 516.0mg	0%
Iron 27.3mg	0%
Potassium 5357.4mg	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: 23.7%

Protein: 38.0%

Carbs: 38.3%