HOMEMADE MITITEI (ROMANIAN GRILLED SAUSAGES)
If you have leftover fatty lamb pieces or simply crave the authentic taste of Romanian mititei (grilled sausages), this recipe brings the classic flavors right to your kitchen. Made with a blend of pork and lamb minced meat, seasoned with garlic, chili, and paprika, these sausages are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a hearty meal.
π Prep Time: 15 min
π³ Resting Time: 4+ hours (preferably overnight)
π½οΈ Yields: About 10-12 mititei
π₯ Ingredients
- 300 g minced pork
- 200 g minced lamb (preferably fatty)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 30 g)
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 6 grinds chili flakes
- 50 ml sparkling mineral water
- 1 tsp baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
π©βπ³ Instructions
- Thoroughly mix together the pork, lamb, onion, garlic, black pepper, paprika, salt, and chili flakes until fully combined.
- Add the baking soda and sparkling water, then continue mixing vigorously until the water is fully absorbed and the mixture becomes sticky and uniform.
- Cover and refrigerate the meat mixture for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
- Shape the mixture into small, finger-sized sausages (mititei).
- Grill the mititei on a medium-low heat grill pan with a lid or over indirect heat, cooking about 15 minutes on one side, then flipping and cooking for another 10 minutes on the other side, until cooked through and nicely browned.
- Serve hot with mustard and fresh bread.
π‘ Tips
- Use a good balance of pork and fatty lamb for juiciness and authentic flavor.
- Mixing the meat thoroughly is key to tender mititei that hold together well on the grill.
- Resting the mixture overnight improves flavor and texture.
- Cook mititei slowly on medium-low heat to ensure they cook through without burning.
π Perfect For
- Traditional Romanian BBQs and gatherings
- Hearty lunches or dinners with mustard and bread
- Comfort food cravings when missing Romanian flavors
π Final Thoughts
Homemade mititei are a beloved Romanian specialty that captures the essence of hearty, flavorful grilled sausages. With simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can recreate this iconic dish at home, delivering juicy, aromatic bites that bring nostalgia and satisfaction to every meal.