Whole30 Authentic Balkan Cevapi
Discover the savory delight of Whole30 Authentic Balkan Cevapi, a beloved traditional dish made Whole30-compliant with a few clever tweaks. This recipe features a harmonious blend of ground beef and lamb, infused with bold flavors from minced garlic, grated onion, and smoked paprika. A touch of baking soda and sparkling water ensures the signature tender texture of these flavorful, mini sausage-shaped patties. The mixture is refrigerated to let the spices fully develop, then grilled to juicy perfection with a gorgeous char. Ready in just 35 minutes, these cevapi are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful addition to your Whole30 meal plan. Serve them warm with a side of tangy ajvar or a refreshing salad for an authentic Balkan experience that’s as healthy as it is delicious!
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
Ingredients
- 300 grams Ground beef
- 200 grams Ground lamb
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 medium Onion, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda
- 2 tablespoons Sparkling water
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef and ground lamb.
Step 2
Add the minced garlic, finely grated onion, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, baking soda, and sparkling water to the bowl.
Step 3
Mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon until well combined.
Step 4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Step 5
After resting, remove the mixture from the refrigerator. Divide the meat mixture into 20 equal portions, rolling each into a small, elongated sausage about 3-4 inches long with your hands.
Step 6
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Ensure the grill is well-oiled to prevent sticking.
Step 7
Grill the cevapi for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they reach a temperature of 160°F (71°C) and have a nice brown color on the outside.
Step 8
Remove from the grill and let rest for a couple of minutes.
Step 9
Serve warm with a side of Whole30-approved ajvar (pepper relish) or a simple salad.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (333.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 632.6 |
| Total Fat 39.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 16.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g | |
| Cholesterol 192mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3773.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 16.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 3.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 5.0g | |
| Protein 51.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 100.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 946.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories