Growing up Albanian, we ate a lot of cevapi. They are these delicious sausages that are grilled and usually served in between warm bread with green cabbage and feta cheese. Traditionally, beef or pork is used, but since we don’t eat beef or pork, ground turkey tastes just as good! And also just as juicy.
Cevapi originated in the Balkans and they are enjoyed all throughout Europe. They are called different names in different countries. The ingredients are very simple, but I added a few that are not traditional in an Albanian Cevapi, or also called Qyfte. I like incorporate some smoked paprika and chopped fresh herbs. SO GOOD! This recipe will give you about 12-14 sausages.
Both my parents are from Kosovo, and I’ve had the pleasure of visiting twice. It’s been almost 14 years since the last time I’ve been there and I miss it so much. The food, culture and people. It’s one of the most beautiful countries full of strong and resilient people.
The last time I was there, my uncle took my mom and I to this little restaurant in the city of Gjakova. And that’s where I had the most amazing sandwich. Yes, we’ve had these sandwiches growing up, but nothing quite like having it in the motherland. It was the best Cevapi that I ever tasted. I still think about it often.
They smoked and grilled the meat and put it in between warm freshly baked bread, stuffed with a vinegary green cabbage salad and thin slices of feta cheese. It was so simple, but it was the perfect combination of flavors.
These Cevapi’s make for great appetizers, delicious in salads and are also yummy alongside some rice or mashed potatoes.
Cevapi ( Grilled Turkey Sausages)
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet or Fry Pan
Ingredients
Turkey Meat Sausages (Qevapi)
- 16 oz ground turkey meat
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying) or avocado oil
- 1/2 yellow onion grated
- 3 cloves garlic grated
- ¼ cup cilantro finely chopped
- ¼ cup parsley finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
- ⅛ tsp baking soda
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey meat, onions, garlic, herbs, oil spices & baking soda. Using a spatula or your hands, mix just until combined. Don't over mix.
- Marinate and refrigerate the meat for at least 30 min before cooking.
- Using your hands, form 14-16 sausage shaped patties, about 3 ½ to 4 inches in length.
- To a large skillet, add 2 tbsp of oil to the pan. Cook the sausages in batches making sure to flip them throughout the cooking process. Cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 165° on a meat thermometer. Let them rest for a few minutes before enjoying!
- Serve in a pita, a salad, or with a side of rice or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Notes
- You could use ground beef, pork, or chicken instead.
- I use a cheese grater for the onion and the smaller side for grating the garlic. If you don’t have a grater, just chop them both very fine. You could also use a food processor.
