SERBIA: Ćevapčići, Šopska Salata, and Ajvar

Ćevapčići (BBQ Mixed-Meat Sausages)

Either

1/2 meatball/meatloaf mix and 1/2 pound ground lamb

Or

1/3 ground beef, 1/3 ground pork, and 1/3 pound ground lamb

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 white onion, grated

1. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together all ingredients with your hands. When well combined, put in the refrigerator, covered, for an hour to overnight.

2. Shape mixture into small cylinders about 1 inch in diameter and 2-3 inches long.

3. Grill over medium heat, about 7 minutes on each side or until cooked to medium well.

Šopska Salata with Cheese

3 Persian cucumbers

4 small tomatoes on the vine

1 yellow pepper

3 ounces chopped feta brine

2 tablespoons olive oil

few splashes red wine vinegar

1. Chop all vegetables into large dice. Place in bowl and toss.

2. Crumble cheese on top.

3. Top with oil, vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste.

Ajvar (Red Pepper Spread)

3 large red peppers

1 small eggplant, ideally Chinese or baby, approximately 1/4 lb

1 Fresno chili

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2-1 tablespoon red wine or white vinegar

salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat grill. Rub vegetables all over with oil, and grill on all sides until charred and eggplant is collapsed. Move to a brown bag to cool.

2. When cool, peel, seed, and chop vegetables. Add them to a mini food processor and pulse to a fine puree.

3. Simmer over a super low heat until reduced by 1/2, about 45 minutes to an hour. Add vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.

#cevapcici #ajvar #serbia #culinaryjourneys #theworldthroughfood #internationalrecipes #oneworldwhisk

FUN FACTS:

• The most a largely used Serbian world in the world is vampire.

• The world's most expensive cheese, Pule, comes from Serbia. It is made from a blend of goat milk and donkey milk.

• 17 of the great Roman emperors were born on the territory of today’s Serbia.