Romanian Food: Mititei

Romanian food - Mititei
Famous Romanian food: Mititei

Jump to delicious Romanian mititei recipe!

What is the Romanian dish MititeiĀ  (Mici)?

Mititei, also called Mici, a mouthwatering delicacy, can be considered the epitome of Romanian street food. Imagine juicy and succulent rolls of grilled ground meat, slowly cooked to perfection over a smoky barbecue pit, made from a harmonious blend of lamb, pork, beef, and a host of seasonings that tantalize the taste buds, such as the fragrant aroma of thyme, the pungent bite of anise, the bold kick of black pepper, and the robust flavor of garlic. The name itself, “Mititei” or “Mici”, translates to “the small ones” in English, referring to the delicate and petite size of these skinless sausages that pack a powerful punch of flavor in every bite.

The traditional preparation of Mititei is a testament to the dish’s popularity and longevity, as it is typically barbecued to achieve a crispy exterior that gives way to a juicy and tender interior, making it a staple of Romanian outdoor cuisine and a must-try item at roadside restaurants. According to a popular theory, the creation of Mititei was a stroke of culinary genius, born out of necessity when a renowned Bucharesti restaurant ran out of casings, and the chefs had to improvise a dish to feed the hungry customers. What resulted was a tasty and convenient dish that has since become a staple of Romanian street food culture.

When it comes to enjoying Mititei, there’s no wrong way to do it, but the most authentic way to experience this dish is with some golden and crispy french fries, a generous squirt of tangy yellow mustard, and a frosty cold beer on the side to wash it all down. The combination of the juicy and savory Mititei with the crunchy fries and the tangy mustard creates a symphony of flavors in the mouth, making it an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

What are the origins and history of the Romanian dish Mititei?

The exact origins of the Romanian dish “Mititei” are uncertain, but it is a popular street food that has been enjoyed for many years in Romania. It is made from a mixture of ground lamb, pork, beef, and seasonings such as thyme, anise, black pepper, and garlic, which are grilled and served in small, skinless sausage-like rolls. The name “Mititei” translates to “the small ones” in English, referring to the small size of the dish.

There is a popular theory that suggests that Mititei were created when a well-known Bucharest restaurant ran out of casings and the chefs had to improvise a dish to feed the hungry customers. This improvisation resulted in the creation of the delicious and popular Mititei, which has since become a staple of Romanian street food culture.

The dish is typically served with french fries and mustard, and is often accompanied by a cold beer. Today, Mititei remains a beloved and traditional dish in Romanian cuisine, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

What are some dishes from other countries that are similar to the Romanian dish Mititei?

There are several dishes from different countries that are similar to the Romanian dish “Mititei”. Some examples include:

  • Kofta: This is a dish that is popular in many Middle Eastern and South Asian countries, and it consists of ground meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken) that is mixed with spices and shaped into sausage-like rolls, which are then grilled or fried.
  • Chorizo: This is a Spanish sausage that is made from ground pork and a blend of spices, including paprika and garlic. Chorizo is often grilled or fried and is commonly used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes, such as paella.
  • Shawarma: This is a Middle Eastern dish that consists of seasoned meat (usually chicken, beef, or lamb) that is slow-cooked on a spit and then shaved off and served in a pita bread with vegetables and sauces.
  • Bratwurst: This is a type of German sausage that is made from ground pork and veal, and is often flavored with spices such as nutmeg, coriander, and ginger. Bratwurst is typically grilled and served with mustard and bread.
  • Gyro: This is a Greek dish that consists of seasoned meat (usually lamb, chicken, or beef) that is roasted on a spit and served in a pita bread with vegetables, sauce, and tzatziki.

These dishes share some similarities with “Mititei” in terms of the use of ground meat and spices, as well as the cooking methods (grilling or roasting).

Vegetarian & Vegan options

Is the Romanian dish Mititei vegetarian? If not, can it be made vegetarian?

No, the Romanian dish “Mititei” is not vegetarian as it consists of grilled ground meat rolls made from a combination of lamb, pork, and beef. It would be difficult to make a vegetarian version of “Mititei” that would closely mimic the flavor and texture of the original dish. However, some variations could be made using plant-based proteins such as soy or mushrooms to create a vegetarian version of “Mititei”.

Is the Romanian dish Mititei vegan? If not, can it be made vegan?

No, the Romanian dish “Mititei” is not vegan as it consists of grilled ground meat rolls made from a combination of lamb, pork, and beef. It would be difficult to make a vegan version of “Mititei” that would closely mimic the flavor and texture of the original dish. However, some variations could be made using plant-based proteins such as soy or mushrooms to create a vegan version of “Mititei”. Additionally, spices and seasonings such as thyme, anise, black pepper, and garlic can be used to provide flavor to the dish.

Traditional Romanian Mititei Recipe

Mititei is a traditional Romanian dish consisting of grilled minced meat rolls, typically made from a mixture of beef and pork. This dish is often served as a main course with bread and mustard.

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Serving: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef and pork mince
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Preparation:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, onion, garlic, tomato paste, paprika, coriander, cumin, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  2. Add the breadcrumbs and flour to the mixture, and continue mixing until the ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a cylinder.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mititei and cook until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes.
  5. Serve hot with bread and mustard.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 500
Fat: 31g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 33g
Sodium: 800mg

More Mititei Recipes (in the Romanian language)

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Mititei FAQs:

  1. What are Mititei? Mititei are Romanian grilled sausages made of ground beef, lamb, and spices. They are usually served with mustard or ketchup.
  2. How are Mititei typically prepared? Mititei are usually made by mixing ground beef and lamb with spices, shaping the mixture into sausage-like rolls, and grilling them until they are fully cooked.
  3. What are some common spices used in the preparation of Mititei? Common spices used in the preparation of Mititei include paprika, garlic, black pepper, and coriander. Some recipes also include thyme, marjoram, or cumin.
  4. Are Mititei a traditional Romanian dish? Yes, Mititei are a traditional Romanian dish and are considered a staple food in Romanian cuisine.
  5. Can Mititei be made vegetarian or vegan? Yes, Mititei can be made vegetarian or vegan by using plant-based ingredients instead of meat, such as soy protein or mushrooms. Spices can be adjusted to taste.

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