European > Balkan

Ćevapi with Ajvar Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 roasted red pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Grill or grill pan

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground lamb, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, breadcrumbs, milk, and egg until well combined.
2. Form the mixture into small sausage-shaped pieces, about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide.
3. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the Ćevapi for 3-4 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through.
5. While the Ćevapi are cooking, make the ajvar sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, sour cream, mayonnaise, roasted red pepper, parsley, cilantro, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
6. Serve the Ćevapi hot with the ajvar sauce on the side.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 8-10 minutes
5. Temperature:
- Grill or grill pan preheated to medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 28g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground pork or chicken can be substituted for the ground lamb
- Panko breadcrumbs can be substituted for regular breadcrumbs
- Greek yogurt can be substituted for plain yogurt

Variations:
- Add diced onions and garlic to the meat mixture for extra flavor
- Serve the Ćevapi in pita bread with lettuce, tomato, and onion for a sandwich
- Use the ajvar sauce as a dip for vegetables or chips

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the grill or grill pan is well-oiled to prevent sticking
- Wet your hands with water when forming the meat mixture into sausage shapes to prevent sticking

Storage instructions:
- Leftover Ćevapi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the Ćevapi in the microwave or on the grill until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the Ćevapi on a platter with the ajvar sauce in a small bowl on the side.

Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of rice or roasted vegetables

Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Tzatziki sauce
- Hummus and pita bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the Ćevapi are sticking to the grill or grill pan, try brushing them with oil before cooking.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the Ćevapi are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat.

Food history:
- Ćevapi is a traditional Balkan dish made of grilled minced meat, typically served with ajvar sauce.

Flavor profiles:
- The Ćevapi are savory and slightly spicy, while the ajvar sauce is tangy and herbaceous.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the Ćevapi with a side of rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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Region: Bosnian

Taste: Savory, Spicy, Tangy, Smoky, Herbal, Robust