Croatian Ćevapi with Ajvar and Flatbread

A Flavorful Balkan Meat Delight

Ćevapi, a traditional Balkan dish, showcases flavorful minced meat sausages paired perfectly with ajvar and soft flatbread.

2 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Ćevapi

500g ground beef

250g ground lamb

1 medium onion, finely grated

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon paprika

1 teaspoon baking soda

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Ajvar

2 red bell peppers

1 eggplant

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt to taste

For the Flatbread

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

1 cup warm water

1 tablespoon olive oil

Preparation

Marinating the Ćevapi

Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground lamb, onion, garlic, paprika, baking soda, salt, and pepper.

Allow the meat to marinate overnight to enhance the flavors.

Mix well

Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Refrigerate

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Preparing the Ajvar

Roast vegetables

Roast the red bell peppers and eggplant under a grill until the skin is charred.

Peel and deseed

Let them cool, peel the skin, and remove seeds.

Blend ajvar

Blend them with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Adjust salt to taste.

Ensure that you remove all seeds and skins from the roasted vegetables for a smooth ajvar. Ajvar tastes even better the next day, so prepare it ahead of time if possible.

Cooking Process

Shape the Ćevapi

Roll the meat mixture into finger-sized sausages.

Grill the Ćevapi

Cook on a preheated grill or skillet until they are browned and cooked through.

Cook the Flatbread

Mix all flatbread ingredients, let rise, then divide and cook on a hot skillet until golden on both sides.

Plating & Serving

Croatian Ćevapi with Ajvar and Flatbread

FaUtensils

Serve

Nestle the Ćevapi on slices of warm flatbread and accompany with a generous serving of ajvar for an authentic experience.

Sauce Pairings

Ajvar

A roasted red pepper and eggplant puree

Sour cream

Optional for extra richness

Garnishes & Accompaniments

Fresh parsleySliced onions

Perfect Sides

Chopped salad with fresh tomatoes and cucumbers

Pickled vegetables