Heart-Healthy Authentic Balkan Cevapi
Experience the flavors of the Balkans with this lighter, heart-healthy twist on authentic cevapi! Made with lean ground turkey and infused with aromatics like onion, garlic, and fresh parsley, this recipe delivers all the bold, smoky essence of traditional Balkan street food while keeping it wholesome. The magic lies in adding sparkling water to the mixture, ensuring tender and juicy skinless sausages that grill to perfection in just 15 minutes. Serve these irresistible cevapi tucked into warm whole wheat pita bread and paired with creamy low-fat yogurt for a deliciously balanced meal that's low in saturated fat yet bursting with flavor. Whether you're looking to explore global cuisine or craft a nutritious meal, this Balkan-inspired dish is a must-try!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams lean ground turkey
- 1 medium onion
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 tablespoons sparkling water
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 4 pieces whole wheat pita bread
- 200 grams low-fat yogurt
Instructions
Finely chop the onion and garlic cloves. Alternatively, you can grate the onion to release more juices and enhance the flavor.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, salt, and baking soda.
Add the sparkling water to the meat mixture. This step helps tenderize the meat and keep the cevapi moist during cooking.
Chop the fresh parsley finely and add it to the meat mixture. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well combined.
Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can leave it overnight for better results.
Preheat a grill or a large non-stick pan over medium heat.
While the grill heats up, form the cevapi mixture into small, sausage-like shapes about 3 inches long. Wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking.
Place the cevapi on the preheated grill or pan. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown.
Warm the whole wheat pita breads on the grill or in a toaster.
Serve the cevapi hot, tucked inside the pita bread with a side of low-fat yogurt for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1738 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.0 g | 69% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.7 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 424 mg | 141% | |
| Sodium | 4066 mg | 177% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 174.1 g | 63% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.0 g | 68% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.4 g | ||
| Protein | 167.8 g | 336% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.4 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 568 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 16.5 mg | 92% | |
| Potassium | 2738 mg | 58% | |
*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.
