Ćevapi with Fries, Ajvar & Onions

⏱️ Prep Time: 25 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes

While cruising the Adriatic on a boat tour to the Blue Lagoon in Split, I had a plate of food that immediately shot to the top of my favorites list. Juicy little grilled sausages, a mountain of golden fries, sweet chopped onions, and a smoky red dip I’d never had before — all served up simply, and eaten in the sun with the sea breeze on my face. This recipe is my take on that unforgettable meal, bringing a taste of Croatia to your own kitchen.

A taste of the Adriatic — grilled ćevapi, golden fries, sweet onions, and smoky ajvar, just like the plate I had on a boat ride to Croatia’s Blue Lagoon.

There’s something magical about the way ćevapi are served — no fuss, no fancy garnishes, just rustic food that delivers huge flavor. These little grilled sausages are super simple to make, and packed with garlic, paprika, and just the right amount of smokiness. I use sparkling water and a touch of baking soda to keep them extra tender and juicy, just like the ones I had dockside.

Let’s talk about the dip — it’s called ajvar, and it’s the real MVP on the plate. Made with roasted red peppers, eggplant, garlic, and olive oil, it’s smoky, tangy, and totally addictive. I love scooping it up with fries or piling it on top of the ćevapi. And of course, the chopped white onion adds a fresh, crunchy contrast that ties it all together. It’s the kind of meal that’s messy in the best way — no knife needed, just grab, dip, and devour.

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🍽️ Servings: 4 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 610

Ingredients

For the Ćevapi:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best)

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp onion powder

• 2 tbsp sparkling water

For the Ajvar:

• 2 red bell peppers

• ½ medium eggplant

• 1 clove garlic

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp red wine vinegar

• Salt, to taste

Sides:

• 2 cups frozen French fries

• ½ white onion, finely diced

• Lettuce leaves, optional for serving

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Steps

Step 1

In a bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, baking soda, and sparkling water. Mix with your hands until well combined but not overworked.

Step 2

Roll the meat mixture into short, thick sausage shapes about 3 inches long. Place on a plate and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to firm up.

Step 3

While the ćevapi chill, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast the red bell peppers and eggplant on a baking sheet until soft and charred — about 20 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Step 4

Peel the peppers and scoop out the eggplant flesh. Blend with garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Taste and adjust salt or vinegar.

Step 5

Bake or fry the French fries according to package directions. Sprinkle with salt and parsley if you’d like.

Step 6

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ćevapi for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.

Step 7

Serve everything on a plate: pile of fries, dollop of ajvar, handful of diced onion, lettuce leaf, and the grilled ćevapi.

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Make it your own!

• 🔥 Make it spicy

  Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the ćevapi mix or ajvar for a kick.

• 🌱 Go herbaceous

  Mix fresh parsley or mint into the meat for a brighter Balkan twist.

• 🍞 Serve it in somun

  Grab some warm flatbread and stuff it with ćevapi, onions, and ajvar for a classic street-food experience.

• 🍆 Buy the ajvar

  If you're short on time, look for jarred ajvar in the international aisle — it’s often labeled “roasted red pepper spread.”

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Try it with…

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