Balkan
Plate
Balkan Ćevapčići Sausages with Đuveč Rice
Balkan Ćevapčići with Đuveč Rice brings the bold, smoky flavors of Southeast Europe to your table. These small, finger-shaped sausages are grilled to perfection, with a juicy, springy texture and a deeply seasoned flavor that reflects their rich culinary heritage.
Traditionally enjoyed in countries like Bosnia, Serbia, and Croatia, Ćevapčići are often served tucked into warm flatbread or plated alongside sides like ajvar, chopped onions, and cooling yogurt. Our version pairs them with Đuveč Rice—a comforting, slow-cooked tomato rice with bell peppers and herbs that completes the meal.
Đuveč Spice Blend
Hungarian paprika, green and red bell pepper, black pepper, marjoram, savory, fenugreek, celery seeds
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Ajvar
1. Roast
Preheat OVEN to 400°F.
Roast one or more whole bell pepper for 30-40 minutes until they are tender and slightly burnt. Turn them every 10 to 15 minutes.
Let them cool. Remove the stem and seeds, and peel them.
2. Blend
In a FOOD PROCESSOR, blend the bell pepper until it turns into a smooth paste.
3. Cook
In a small POT, add 2 tbsp oil for the first bell pepper, and add 1 tbsp for each additional bell pepper. Heat to sizzling hot.
Careful of splatters, add bell pepper paste.
Optionally, add grated garlic and/or chilies to taste.
Cover. Cook over low heat for 1 hour.
Add a pinch of sugar (optional) and salt to taste.
Optionally, add vinegar to taste.
Continue to cook until all oil disappeared and the sauce has a consistency like a dip or spread. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Balkan Ćevapčići with Đuveč
Ćevapčići is a popular dish from the Balkans, particularly enjoyed in countries like Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. These small, finger-shaped grilled sausages with a smooth and springy texture are bursting with flavor and are perfect for a casual gathering or a delicious weeknight dinner. Đuveč is a versatile and comforting one-pot meal that can be enjoyed on its own (see option 2 in the directions) or as a side dish.
Ingredients
Sausages
- 1 lb ground meat [1]
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
Balkan Rice
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 tomato chopped
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup rice thoroughly rinsed
- 4-5 cups vegetable or chicken broth [2]
- oil
- salt & pepper
Đuveč Culinary Spice Kit
- Hungarian paprika, green and red bell pepper, black pepper, marjoram, savory, fenugreek, celery seeds
Suggested Sides
- French fries or baked potatoes
- sour cream or plain yogurt
- ajvar paste
- cabbage salad
Instructions
Balkan Sausages
- In a BOWL, mix meat with baking soda, 2 oz water, garlic, salt & pepper to taste.
- Knead for about 20 minutes.
- Wet your hands with a little water. Form small sausages, with a diameter of a thumb and no more than 2 inches in length.
- Place sausages in a large BAKING PAN.
- If you make a bigger batch, place BAKING PAPER or ALUMINUM FOIL between each layer.
- Cover the BAKING PAN.
- Let them rest in the fridge for 12-24 hours.
- Grill the sausages over medium heat Occasionally, brush sausages with the broth.
- Alternatively, fry the sausages in a PAN with oil over medium heat, turning frequently.
Balkan Rice - Option 1: as a Side [2]
- In a POT, heat oil over medium heat.
- Fry onions and garlic over low heat until translucent.
- Add tomatoes, peas, Đuveč spices, and salt & pepper to taste.
- Add the rice. Mix well.
- Add 2 cups broth or more until all is covered.
- Cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low.
- Cook until the rice is done and all liquid has been absorbed, about 20-25 minutes.
Balkan Rice - Option 2: as a Complete Meal [2]
- Modify the directions for Balkan Rice - Option 1, as following:
- Before adding onions to the POT, fry 8 oz chicken (1/2 inch sized pieces) over high heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Return heat to medium and continue with the onions.
- After the onions are done, add 1 chopped bell pepper (red or green or mixed). Fry the bell peppers for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Continue with adding the tomatoes, ...
Serve Options
- 1. Serve sausages with rice (as a side) and any fresh green salad with a light dressing (no mayo or cream) [3]. Optionally, add mustard or our Apple Beer Grill Sauce.
- 2a). Serve sausages in bread: Brush the inside of the bread with broth and spread it with sour cream or yogurt or with ajvar. Fill the bread with chopped onions and 2 to 5 sausages.
- 2b) Prepare Balkan rice as a complete meal. Optionally, serve it with any fresh green salad with a light dressing (no mayo or cream) [3].
- 3) Make it a complex Balkan meal: Serve sausages with rice (as a side), add cabbage salad and ajvar. Optionally, add French fries.
Notes
[1] Recommended: 70-80% beef, mixed with lamb or 100% beef or veal. Any other meat combinations works too.
[2] Optionally, for authentic red color:
- Plan for about 1 cup more broth.
- When adding the broth, add 1/2 cup more of the broth and 1 tbsp tomato paste.
- During the last cooking step, check after 15 and 20 minutes if there is still any liquid left to complete the rice cooking process without burning it. If necessary, add 1/4 cup of boiling hot broth. But don't stir!
