Romanian Grilled Minced Meat Rolls

Recipe By:iona

“Romanian Grilled Minced Meat Rolls (MICI) are great when grilled, but you could roast or pan-fry. Serve hot with good Italian bread and mustard accompanied by a cold beer. It is great for backyard parties. My friends just love it !”

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 8 ounces chopped suet
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon finely ground juniper berries
• 2 tablespoons water
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons beef broth

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the ground beef, suet, baking soda, caraway seeds, garlic, salt, pepper and juniper berries using your hands. Mix with your hands for about 15 minutes, adding a little bit of the water at a time. This part can be made a few hours ahead of time if you like.
2. Preheat a grill for high heat. With wet hands form the meat into rolls about 3 inches long and 1 inch thick. Brush lightly with oil.
3. Grill the meat for 5 to 10 minutes, basting frequently with a mixture of beef broth and any remaining oil, until well done.

Shortening as a Substitute for Suet

Suet is the fat found around the kidney and other organs in animals. It is a saturated fat and used traditionally in pastry, in steamed puddings and sweet mincemeat. There are ready-made vegetarian alternatives available which can be bought in leading supermarkets. Look for the brand Atora for both the meat and vegetarian versions.