Dairy-Free Authentic Balkan Cevapi
Experience the irresistible flavors of the Balkans with this Dairy-Free Authentic Cevapi recipe, a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Made with a savory blend of ground beef and lamb, seasoned with aromatic garlic, smoky paprika, and a touch of baking soda for optimal tenderness, this dish is perfect for those seeking a dairy-free option without compromising on authenticity. The addition of sparkling water ensures these traditional minced sausages remain juicy and flavorful, while the simple cooking technique—either pan-fried or grilled—creates a deliciously golden crust. Serve them piping hot alongside soft flatbread, a medley of chopped onions, and a dollop of tangy ajvar for the full Balkan experience. Quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors, these cevapi are sure to become a new household favorite. Perfect for family meals, dinner parties, or even outdoor grilling sessions!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams ground beef
- 250 grams ground lamb
- 1 large onion
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 60 milliliters sparkling water
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Finely chop the onion and garlic, or use a food processor to ensure they are minced very well.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground lamb.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the meat mixture.
Sprinkle the baking soda, paprika, ground black pepper, and salt evenly over the meat.
Pour the sparkling water into the bowl.
Mix everything thoroughly with your hands or a wooden spoon until the ingredients are well combined and the texture is sticky. This may take about 5-7 minutes of mixing.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the meat mixture for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to let the flavors meld.
After chilling, take the meat mixture out of the fridge. Shape the meat into small sausages, around 2.5 cm in diameter and 10 cm long, roughly the size of your index finger.
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan or grill over medium-high heat.
Cook the cevapi in batches, ensuring they do not overcrowd the pan. Each piece should take about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are browned and fully cooked through.
Serve the cevapi hot, traditionally accompanied by flatbread, chopped onions, and ajvar – a special pepper-based condiment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2185 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 166.0 g | 213% | |
| Saturated Fat | 60.0 g | 300% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 594 mg | 198% | |
| Sodium | 4936 mg | 215% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.3 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.7 g | ||
| Protein | 141.2 g | 282% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 230 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 16.0 mg | 89% | |
| Potassium | 2507 mg | 53% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
