Bosnia and Herzegovina

• 500 g ground beef
• 500 g ground lamb or pork
• 1 small onion (finely grated)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup sparkling water
• Flatbread (for serving)
• Chopped onions and ajvar (optional, for serving)

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb or pork, grated onion, garlic, paprika, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
• Slowly add the sparkling water, mixing until the mixture becomes slightly sticky. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
• Wet your hands with water and shape the mixture into small sausage-like rolls, about 2-3 inches long.
• Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface, then grill the ćevapčići for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
• Serve hot with flatbread, chopped onions, and ajvar on the side.

Ćevapčići, often called the "soul food" of the Balkans, is a legacy of the Ottoman Empire. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, it's traditionally enjoyed in lepinja bread with a generous helping of raw onions!