When BBQ season kicks in, everyone has their go-to favourites. For Romanians, it’s all about mici – those juicy, skinless sausages packed with flavour and perfect for the grill. They’re simple, tasty, and always a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re at a backyard party or just craving a taste of home.
Let’s dive into the story behind the mici, how to prepare them the traditional way, and how to host a Romanian-style grill that will impress any guest, no matter where you are in the UK.
A Bite of History: Where Mici Come From
The recipe for mici may sound familiar if you’ve ever traveled through the Balkans. Their origins trace back to the wider Balkan region, with strong influences from Serbia and the Ottoman Empire. Similar dishes exist in Greece and Turkey, yet the Romanian mic has evolved into a national symbol, standing proudly on its own.
One charming legend credits the invention of mici to the 19th century, in a bustling inn called La Iordachi in Bucharest. The kitchen ran out of sausage casings one night, and instead of calling it quits, the cook decided to grill the meat directly, thus, the first mititei (meaning “little ones”) were born.
The first documented serving of mici dates back to 1902, at the famous Bucharest restaurant Caru’ cu Bere. Back then, the recipe used only beef and was carefully balanced: each kilogram of meat needed at least three grams of baking soda.
How to Make Traditional Mici
The key to tasty romanian mici lies in the quality of ingredients and the care put into preparing the mix. Based on a historic 1920s recipe from Caru’ cu Bere, here’s how you can recreate this Romanian classic at home:
Ingredients:
- Beef neck meat (or a blend of beef, lamb, and pork—never pork only)
- Salt
- Baking soda
- Finely chopped garlic or garlic sauce (mujdei)
- Ground spices: black pepper, dried thyme, allspice, coriander, cumin, a touch of star anise
- Bone broth made from beef marrow bones (or mineral water for a lighter version)
- A splash of lemon juice
Preparation:
- Run the meat through the grinder twice to get a finer texture.
- Simmer beef bones to make a concentrated broth. Use about 500g of bones for each kilogram of meat. Let it reduce.
- In a large bowl, knead the minced meat with salt and baking soda (which has been dissolved in lemon juice and mineral water). Gradually add half the broth, all the spices, and garlic.
- Cover and refrigerate for several hours. Later, mix in the remaining broth for an even smoother texture. If you have a stand mixer, it helps speed things up.
- Form the mici into finger-sized rolls, brush with oil, and let them rest uncovered in the fridge for an hour.
- Cook over high heat, brushing occasionally with mujdei. Each mic should be turned three times to achieve a crispy crust on all sides.
Serve your mici hot, nestled next to fresh bread rolls or slices of rustic loaf, accompanied by pickles, red cabbage slaw and, of course, a generous swirl of mustard.
The Authentic Romanian BBQ Experience
If you want to experience mici the way they’re meant to be enjoyed, you’ll need more than just the sausages. You need the full Romanian barbecue atmosphere. Here’s how to make it happen:
- Preheat the Grill
Charcoal or wood needs ~20 minutes; gas grills take ~10. A hot grill ensures even cooking and a nice sear.
- Clean the Grates
Use a wire brush while the grill is hot. Deep-clean at the start of the season, and leave a light grease layer at the end to prevent rust.
- Grease the Grate
Lightly oil the grill or the mici to stop them from sticking. You can use a cloth with oil or rub fat directly on the grates.
Other Must-Haves for a Romanian BBQ
- Grilled Veggies
Don’t stop at meat! Add bell peppers, mushrooms, corn, zucchini, and onions brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with salt. Serve them with Romanian cheese like telemea or caș; their creamy saltiness pairs beautifully with the charred sweetness of the vegetables.
- The Onion Trick
Rub a halved onion over the hot grates for extra flavor and to clean stubborn residue.
- Proper Handling
Turn the mici only three times, never press down with a spatula (it squeezes out the juice), and avoid piercing them with a fork. Once grilled, let them rest for a few minutes to keep them juicy.
Where to Buy Ingredients in the UK
If you’re wondering where to find high-quality meat and ingredients for your mici, look no further than A&S Market. This online store specializes in authentic Romanian products delivered right to your door anywhere in the UK. Whether you’re looking for the perfect meat mix or Romanian condiments and bread, A&S Market has everything you need for a nostalgic backyard feast.
Mici are more than food: they’re a taste of home, a reason to gather, and a celebration of simplicity done right. Whether shared around a smoky grill in a friend’s garden or savored in quiet nostalgia on a rainy British evening, mici hit the spot every time.
