Elevate your dining experience with this **Heart-Healthy Cevapcici**, a modern twist on the traditional Balkan favorite. Crafted with lean ground turkey instead of beef or lamb, this recipe is perfect for those seeking a lighter, nutritious alternative without sacrificing flavor. Seasoned with aromatic spices like smoked paprika and cumin, and freshened up with chopped parsley and a squeeze of zesty lemon, these juicy, bite-sized sausages are cooked to golden perfection in olive oil. Pair them with warm whole wheat pita bread for an added dose of fiber, making this dish as wholesome as it is satisfying. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy-to-follow recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Perfect for heart-conscious eaters, this meal is as flavorful as it is nourishing!
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, diced red onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. This can be done using a fork or by hand.
Shape the mixture into small sausage-like shapes, approximately 8-10 cm in length and about 2-3 cm in diameter. You should have about 16-18 pieces.
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Place the formed cevapcici in the skillet without overcrowding and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are brown on all sides and cooked through. You may need to cook them in batches.
While the cevapcici are cooking, optionally warm the whole wheat pita breads in a separate pan or directly over the flame for a few seconds on each side.
Serve the cooked cevapcici with warm whole wheat pita breads and a wedge of lemon for squeezing over the top for added freshness.
Enjoy your heart-healthy cevapcici either on its own or with a side of fresh salad for a complete meal.
Calories |
1630 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.2 g | 73% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.7 g | 74% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 355 mg | 118% | |
| Sodium | 4095 mg | 178% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 164.5 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.1 g | 79% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.8 g | ||
| Protein | 122.2 g | 244% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 192 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 14.9 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 1006 mg | 21% | |
*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.