Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, baking soda, and cold water. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Form the mixture into small sausage-shaped rolls, about 2-3 inches long and 1 inch in diameter.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the mititei for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through.
4. In a skillet, heat the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste over medium heat. Add the dried oregano and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve the grilled mititei with the tomato sauce on the side, or pour the sauce over the mititei.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill or grill pan: medium-high heat
- Skillet: medium heat
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 40g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground lamb or ground chicken.
- Ground pork can be substituted with ground veal or ground turkey.
- Fresh oregano can be substituted with dried basil or thyme.
Variations:
- Add diced onions or grated Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture for added flavor.
- Serve the mititei with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus for a Mediterranean twist.
- Use the tomato sauce as a base for a pasta dish or pizza topping.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the grill or grill pan is well-oiled to prevent the mititei from sticking.
- To prevent the mititei from falling apart on the grill, refrigerate the meat mixture for at least 30 minutes before forming into rolls.
- If the tomato sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
Storage instructions:
- Leftover mititei and tomato sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the mititei, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- To reheat the tomato sauce, heat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the mititei on a platter with the tomato sauce on the side, garnished with fresh oregano or parsley.
- For a rustic presentation, serve the mititei on a wooden board with the tomato sauce in a small bowl.
Garnishes:
- Fresh oregano or parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges
Pairings:
- Serve the mititei with a side of roasted vegetables or a Greek salad.
- Pair with a glass of red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Greek salad
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Grilled corn on the cob
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mititei are falling apart on the grill, refrigerate the meat mixture for longer before forming into rolls.
- If the tomato sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the internal temperature of the mititei reaches 160°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Store leftover mititei and tomato sauce in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- Mititei is a traditional Romanian dish, often served as street food or at family gatherings.
Flavor profiles:
- The mititei are savory and slightly spicy, with hints of garlic and paprika.
- The tomato sauce is tangy and herbaceous, with notes of oregano and black pepper.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the mititei as a main course with a side of roasted vegetables or salad.
- Serve as an appetizer with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus.
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Region: Romanian