How to make the perfect Ćevapi?

Detective Pux here, ready to crack the case of the perfect Ćevapi. For those who don't know, Ćevapi is a traditional dish from the Balkans made of minced meat, typically a mix of pork and beef, shaped into small sausages and grilled to perfection. But, before we get to the recipe, let's go over a few important tips to make sure your Ćevapi are top-notch.

Tip #1: Use the right meats. The traditional recipe calls for a mix of pork and beef, but you can also use lamb or veal. The key is to use meats with a high fat content, as this will give your Ćevapi the juiciness and flavor they need. Just like a good detective, we don't want our Ćevapi to be dry and bland.

Tip #2: Mix it up. When mixing the meats, make sure to use a meat grinder or a food processor to get the right consistency. And don't be afraid to add some spices to give it that extra kick, like pepper, garlic, and paprika. But be careful not to overdo it, you don't want to overpower the natural flavors of the meats.

Tip #3: Shape it up. Once the meat mixture is ready, shape it into small sausages, about the size of your thumb. This is where detective work comes in handy, because you want to make sure all the sausages are the same size and shape so they cook evenly.

Tip #4: Grill it to perfection. The key to making the perfect Ćevapi is to grill them over high heat for a short amount of time, about 2-3 minutes on each side. This will give them a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

And now, without further ado, here's the recipe for the perfect Ćevapi:

Ingredients: -1 pound pork shoulder -1 pound beef chuck -1 teaspoon pepper -1 teaspoon paprika -1 teaspoon garlic powder -1 teaspoon salt -1/4 cup ice water -1 onion, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cut the pork and beef into small cubes and grind them through a meat grinder or chop them in a food processor.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with pepper, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and ice water. Mix well.
  3. Add the onion if you want.
  4. Shape the mixture into small sausages, about the size of your thumb.
  5. Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat.
  6. Grill the Ćevapi for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and charred on the outside.
  7. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as ajvar or kajmak.

There you have it, the perfect Ćevapi recipe from your favorite detective. Now, it's time for you to put on your detective hat and get to work in the kitchen. Remember, the key is to use the right meats, mix it up with spices, shape it up, and grill it to perfection. And, most importantly, enjoy it with your loved ones, because, as any good detective knows, sharing is caring.