Qebapa (Kosovar Grilled Beef Sausages)
In short: Small, juicy sausages of seasoned minced beef, grilled until charred and tucked into warm flatbread with raw onion, ajvar and yogurt. It takes about 30 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Resting
- 3 h
- Total
- 30 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 640 kcal
Qebapa are small, finger-shaped sausages of minced beef, seasoned simply with salt, pepper and garlic, and grilled over coals. They are one of the most popular quick meals in Kosovo and are served in portions of five or ten with soft flatbread, chopped raw onion and often ajvar, yogurt or cream. The meat needs a good rest in the fridge before grilling so that the sausages stay juicy and hold together.
Instructions
- Mix the beef, salt, pepper, garlic and baking soda in a large bowl. Add the cold water in two or three additions and knead the meat with your hands for 4 to 5 minutes, until it turns sticky and paste-like.
- Cover and chill for at least 3 hours, or overnight, so the flavors settle and the mixture firms up.
- With wet hands, shape the meat into 24 small fingers, each about 7 cm (3 in) long and 2 cm (3/4 in) thick, using about 33 g per piece.
- Heat a charcoal grill or a grill pan until hot and lightly oil the grates. Cook the qebapa over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, until browned and charred in places and 71°C (160°F) inside.
- Warm the flatbreads on the grill for 30 seconds per side. Serve the qebapa hot, 5 or 6 per person, in or beside the bread with chopped onion, ajvar and yogurt.
Tips
- Use beef with at least 20% fat, since lean meat makes dry, crumbly qebapa. Replacing 200 g of the beef with ground lamb gives a richer taste.
- Do not skip the chilling. The mixture is soft, and the rest makes it firm enough to go on the grill without falling apart. Avoid pressing the sausages while they cook.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between qebapa and kofta?
Qebapa are small, finger-shaped sausages seasoned very simply and served in bread with raw onion. Kofta in other kitchens often carry more spices and herbs and are shaped around skewers.
Why add baking soda to qebapa?
A small pinch makes the meat paste lighter and more tender, with a slightly springy bite. Do not use more than 1/4 tsp for 800 g, or the flavor turns soapy.
Can I cook qebapa in the oven or a pan?
Yes. Pan-fry in a skillet over medium-high heat for 8 minutes, or broil on a rack 10 cm (4 in) from the heat for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once, until they reach 71°C (160°F).
How long does it take to make Qebapa (Kosovar Grilled Beef Sausages)?
About 30 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Qebapa (Kosovar Grilled Beef Sausages)?
About 640 kcal per serving, with 40 g of protein, 37 g of carbohydrates and 34 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 640 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 40 g |
| Carbohydrates | 37 g |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 1550 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
