Mititei- Romanian Street Food

The most popular and delicious Romanian street-food is Mititei (or “Mici” which means “little ones”). Other Balkan countries have similar deliciousness, called differently and using a few other spices, but for now, I will share the Romanian style recipe that I tried and love. You can combine beef and pork and lamb and veal, or you can choose just 2 kind of ground meat. I personally prefer beef and pork, other love the beef and lamb combo, but, your choice. Also, it would be best if you have a charcoal grill to cook them on because the smoke of the charcoal grill will double the flavor. They are best parred with a cold beer of your choice, mustard and sourdough bread. Totally up to you.

So, let me tell you the Mititei story.

What you’ll need:

-2 lb ground beef

-1 lb ground pork

-1 lb ground lamb (optional)

– 1 cup beef stock (low – sodium)

– 3-4 minced garlic cloves;

– 1 ½ tsp fine ground black pepper;

– ¾ tsp fine ground thyme;

– 1 tsp ground cumin;

– 1 tsp ground coriander;

– 1 tsp paprika;

– 1 tsp baking soda;

– 1 tsp salt.

How it’s done:

Combine all ingredients except for the baking soda and the beef stock. If you have a good mixer, like a KitchenAid standing mixer, you’re lucky, but if not, sorry, you’ll have to mix the meats and spices together using your hands for about 30 minutes. Great workout! Also, it gives you an excuse to eat more of these 😊 Slowly, add the beef stock and when you’re almost done, you will add the baking soda, which makes them fluffy, and keeps their natural color and freshness.

After you are done mixing, press the mixture in the bowl to make sure there aren’t any air bubbles and cover it with some plastic wrap to prevent air from coming in. The secret is to leave this mix in the refrigerator for about 12 hrs or overnight, for all the spices and aroma to work together and surprise you with the best flavor.

Once you’re ready to cook them, start making little sausages using your hands, about 2 inches thick and 4 inches long and have them ready on a plate. Get the grill ready on high and when you cook them, make sure you watch them closely, sometimes the fat dripping can start a little fire. As for the grilling time, it’s up to you, around 3-4 minutes on each side, 4 sides.

Get the beer ready and enjoy with friends and family!

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