Turkish Cevapi — A Simple Plate Full of Comfort

 There’s something deeply comforting about a plate of cevapi. These small, finger-shaped minced-meat kebabs are loved across the Balkans and Turkey, and for good reason: they’re juicy, aromatic, lightly smoky, and incredibly satisfying with just a few simple sides.

On my table: freshly grilled cevapi served with pickled peppers, a spoonful of spicy red pepper paste, thick strained yogurt and — of course — a cold cup of ayran. Add some warm Turkish bread and a fresh salad, and you have the perfect everyday feast.

What to Serve With Cevapi

• Ayran — the classic salty yogurt drink that refreshes between bites

• Thick strained yogurt — cooling, simple, perfect on grilled meat

• Turkish salad — tomatoes, cucumber, onion, parsley, lemon and olive oil

• Bread — pide or crusty Turkish loaf

Simple. Honest. Delicious.

Homemade Turkish Cevapi Recipe

Ingredients

• 500 g minced beef (15–20% fat)

• 200 g minced lamb (optional but recommended)

• 3 cloves garlic, finely grated

• 1 small onion, very finely grated or blended

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp sweet paprika

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 2 tbsp sparkling water (for tenderness)

• A drizzle of olive oil (for shaping)

Method

Combine the meat mixture

Mix beef, lamb, onion, garlic and all spices together. Add baking soda and sparkling water. Knead the mixture for 3–4 minutes until sticky and well-combined.

Chill the meat

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours — ideally overnight. This helps the flavours develop and the texture firm up.

Shape the cevapi

Lightly oil your hands and roll small sausage shapes about 7–8 cm long.

Grill or pan-sear

Cook over medium-high heat on a grill, grill pan or skillet. Turn regularly until browned outside and juicy inside (about 8–10 minutes).

Serve immediately

With ayran, strained yogurt, Turkish salad, pickled peppers and warm bread.

The key is fat content and gentle cooking — cevapi should stay moist, never dry.

Turkish Salad (Quick Version)

• 2 tomatoes

• 1 cucumber

• 1/2 red onion

• Handful parsley

• Lemon juice

• Olive oil

• Salt

Finely chop everything, season, dress — done.

Sometimes the greatest meals are the most modest ones: grilled meat, yogurt, salad, bread, and a cold ayran ( a beer works fine too ). Comfort food doesn’t get more honest than this.