Balkan vacation delight: Savor the simplicity of cevapcici

Anyone who has vacationed in Croatia is familiar with cevapcici, a dish that enjoys great popularity there. However, you can also find them throughout the Balkans under different names. They are enjoyed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Cevapcici are considered a derivative of the Turkish kebab, with "ćevap" stemming from the Turkish word for "kebab."

Cevapcici are patties made from chopped or ground beef, or a combination of beef and pork. They are generously seasoned with salt, lemon pepper, coriander, paprika, garlic, and fresh herbs. Traditionally, the patties are shaped into elongated forms and skewered for grilling. At home, they can be cooked in a pan or in the oven using the grill function. They are typically served with chopped onions, yogurt, ajvar, and feta cheese. If you're planning to prepare them for dinner, they pair wonderfully with potatoes or fries. Pita bread is also an excellent accompaniment.

Ingredients:

• 7 oz ground beef
• 3.5 oz ground pork
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt and lemon pepper
• Coriander, sweet and hot paprika to taste
• Half a teaspoon of baking soda (optional)
• Oil for brushing the patties

Additionally:

• Skewers

Preparation:

1. Mix the ground meat and season it with salt. Work it thoroughly and set aside in the refrigerator overnight.
2. After marinating, season the meat with lemon pepper, paprika, coriander, and garlic pressed through a garlic press (you can also add half a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with a few drops of lemon juice).
3. Shape the meat mixture into 4-inch rolls and brush them with oil.
4. Skewer the meat and grill it in a pan or bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 390 degrees Fahrenheit.