Mici

Skinless grilled sausages of garlicky minced beef and pork seasoned with thyme, cumin and baking soda for a light bouncy texture. They are served hot with mustard and bread.

Mici

Mititei aufm Grill: Stoschmidt, CC BY 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Where it comes from

Mici (also called mititei) are a Romanian street-food and barbecue favorite, sold at open-air events and enjoyed at summer gatherings. The mixture is made fresh and rested before grilling.

Explore the cuisine of Romania.

Recipe

Make Mici at home

Serves 4-6Time 30 minutes plus resting

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1/2 lb (225 g) ground pork
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold beef stock
  • Mustard and bread to serve

How it's made

  1. Combine the meat with garlic, baking soda, spices and salt.
  2. Knead in the cold stock a little at a time until the mixture is sticky and smooth, about 5 minutes.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  4. Wet your hands and shape into short, thick sausages about 3 inches long.
  5. Grill over medium-high heat, turning often, for 10 to 12 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  6. Serve hot with mustard and fresh bread.

Variations

  • Lamb mici.
  • Oven-baked mici.
  • Mici in a bun as a sandwich.

Cook’s tip: Chill the mixture overnight; the rest time gives better flavor and a firmer shape.

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About this page

Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.

Photo credit
  • Mititei aufm Grill: Stoschmidt, CC BY 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)