Baked Ćevapi (Balkan Beef Sausages)

Baking lean ground beef with baking powder yields juicy, authentic Balkan ćevapi while keeping the protein high and saturated fats low.

Ingredients

Calories next to each ingredient are for that ingredient across the whole recipe (4 servings), not per serving.

• 650 g (1.43 lbs) lean ground beef (7% fat) · 988 kcal in the whole recipe
• 12 g (3 cloves) garlic, minced · 18 kcal in the whole recipe
• 3 g (1/2 tsp) baking powder · 2 kcal in the whole recipe
• 150 g (1 large) onion, finely chopped · 60 kcal in the whole recipe
• 200 g (approx. 1 cup) roasted red pepper · 60 kcal in the whole recipe
• 13 g (1 tbsp) olive oil · 115 kcal in the whole recipe
• 128 g (2 pieces) whole wheat pita · 335 kcal in the whole recipe
• Salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and 3 tbsp sparkling water

Method

1. In a mixing bowl, combine lean ground beef, minced garlic, baking powder, sparkling water, salt, black pepper, and paprika; knead thoroughly for 5 minutes and shape into finger-sized sausages.

   

2. Blend or finely chop roasted red pepper with olive oil and a pinch of salt to make a quick roasted pepper spread.

   

3. Arrange the ćevapi on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 12-14 minutes until browned.

   

4. Warm whole wheat pita in the oven during the last 2 minutes of baking, then slice and serve warm alongside ćevapi, pepper spread, and finely chopped onion.

   

A Besly kitchen recipe — portions, macros and step photos by Besly.