Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup sparkling water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Griddle or grill
- Skillet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and sparkling water. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat a griddle or grill over medium-high heat.
4. Divide the meat mixture into small portions and shape them into oblong sausages, about 3 inches long and 1 inch thick.
5. Brush the sausages with vegetable oil and grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through.
6. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
7. Season the onions with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the grilled sausages hot, topped with the caramelized onions and a sprinkle of paprika.
- Time:
Preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
5. Temperature:
- Griddle or grill: medium-high heat
- Skillet: medium heat
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 32g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Sugar: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef and pork can be substituted with ground lamb or chicken.
- Sparkling water can be substituted with beer or beef broth.
- Paprika can be substituted with smoked paprika or chili powder.
Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
- Serve the grilled sausages with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Top the sausages with a dollop of sour cream or tzatziki sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to refrigerate the meat mixture for at least 1 hour before grilling to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Brush the sausages with oil before grilling to prevent sticking and to get a nice char.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the sausages are cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F.
Storage instructions:
- Leftover grilled sausages can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the sausages, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the grilled sausages on a platter, topped with the caramelized onions and a sprinkle of paprika.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro
- Sour cream or tzatziki sauce
- Lemon wedges
Pairings:
- Red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot
- Beer, such as Pilsner or Lager
Suggested side dishes:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes
- Grilled corn on the cob
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sausages are sticking to the griddle or grill, brush them with more oil or use a non-stick cooking spray.
- If the onions are not caramelizing evenly, stir them more frequently and adjust the heat as needed.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the sausages to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure that they are safe to eat.
- Wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before and after handling raw meat.
Food history:
- Mititei is a traditional Romanian dish, also known as "mici" or "mititei cu ceapa si boia". It is a type of grilled sausage made with a mixture of ground beef and pork, seasoned with garlic and paprika.
Flavor profiles:
- The grilled sausages are savory and slightly spicy, with a smoky flavor from the paprika. The caramelized onions add a sweet and tangy note, balancing out the richness of the meat.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the grilled sausages as a main course, accompanied by a side dish and a glass of wine or beer.
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Region: Romanian