Mititei

Mititei

Mititei, also known as mici, is a traditional Romanian dish, primarily made from ground meat and spices. The dish is popular not only in Romania, but also in other parts of the Balkans.

History

The origins of Mititei are traced back to the 19th century in Romania. It is believed that the dish was first created in a popular inn in Bucharest when the kitchen ran out of casings for sausages. The cooks decided to grill the meat mixture without the casings, thus creating the first Mititei.

Ingredients

The main ingredient in Mititei is ground meat, usually a combination of beef, pork, and lamb. The meat is mixed with a variety of spices, including garlic, thyme, caraway seeds, and baking soda. Some recipes also include red wine or beer to enhance the flavor.

Preparation

To prepare Mititei, the ground meat and spices are mixed together and left to marinate for several hours. The mixture is then shaped into small cylindrical rolls, which are traditionally grilled over charcoal. The finished Mititei are typically served with mustard and bread.

Variations

While the traditional Mititei recipe uses a combination of beef, pork, and lamb, there are many variations of the dish. Some recipes use only one type of meat, while others add additional ingredients such as onions, peppers, or cheese. There are also vegetarian versions of Mititei, which use plant-based meat substitutes.

Cultural Significance

Mititei is a popular dish in Romania and is often served at barbecues, picnics, and other social gatherings. The dish is also commonly found at street food vendors and in traditional Romanian restaurants. In addition, Mititei is often associated with Romanian national identity and cultural heritage.

See Also

• Romanian cuisine
• Balkan cuisine
• Grilling

External Links

• [Recipe for Mititei]
• [History of Mititei]