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Ćevapčići (Croatian Sausages)

(che-vahp-chee-chee)
Course: Appetizer
Servings: 16 pieces

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound coarsely ground beef sirloin (about 90% lean)
  • 1/2 pound coarsely ground lean pork shoulder
  • or a combination of
  • 1/3 lb coarsely ground beef sirloin
  • 1/3 lb coarsely ground pork
  • 1/3 lb coarsely ground lamb
  • 1/2 small/medium yellow onion grated
  • 4 to 6 cloves garlic, pressed through a garlic press or minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup sparkling water

Instructions

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the beef, pork, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper, gently mixing to combine. Add the sparkling water, gently mixing until tacky, 3 to 5 minutes. Do not overmix. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours minimum, preferably overnight.
  • Knead gently once more, then gently shape the mixture into sixteen 3-inch long sausages, arranging the sausages on a sheet pan. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour minimum, or overnight.
  • Heat a grill, stovetop grill, or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the sausages, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes.
  • Serve hot, with toothpicks and ajvar sauce if you like, or serve in pita bread or white rolls with chopped onions, tomatoes and lettuce.
    Adapted for the home chef by Jill Silverman Hough.