European > Balkan

Ćevapi with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, peeled and grated
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 2 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, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, cumin, cayenne pepper, and water until well combined.
2. Divide the mixture into 16 equal portions and shape each portion into a small sausage shape.
3. Heat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with vegetable oil.
4. Grill the Ćevapi for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and browned.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
6. Serve the Ćevapi hot with the cucumber-yogurt sauce on the side.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
5. Temperature:
- Grill or grill pan: medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 500
- Fat: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 37g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef and lamb can be substituted with ground pork or chicken.
- Dill can be substituted with parsley or mint.

Variations:
- Add chopped fresh parsley or mint to the cucumber-yogurt sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve the Ćevapi with pita bread, sliced onions, and tomatoes for a traditional Balkan meal.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to mix the meat mixture well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

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 a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

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

Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or mint.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Pita bread
- Sliced onions
- Tomatoes

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the Ćevapi are sticking to the grill or grill pan, brush with more vegetable oil.

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

Food history:
- Ćevapi is a traditional Balkan dish made of grilled minced meat, typically served with a side of onions, tomatoes, and a cucumber-yogurt sauce.

Flavor profiles:
- The Ćevapi are seasoned with a blend of spices including paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper, giving them a slightly spicy and smoky flavor. The cucumber-yogurt sauce is cool and refreshing, balancing out the heat from the spices.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the Ćevapi with a side of pita bread, sliced onions, and tomatoes for a traditional Balkan meal.

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Region: Bosnian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Herbal, Aromatic