Mititei facts for kids
Mititei on the grill.
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| Alternative names | Mititei or mici |
|---|---|
| Course | Main course |
| Region or state | Romania |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Lamb, pork, beef, coriander, onion, garlic, black pepper, thyme, sodium bicarbonate |
Mititei (pronounced mee-tee-TAY) or mici (pronounced meech) are popular grilled meat rolls from Romania. Both words mean "little ones" or "small ones" in Romanian. This tasty dish is made from ground meat, usually a mix of beef and lamb.
The meat is mixed with different spices. These often include garlic, black pepper, thyme, coriander, and sometimes anise or paprika. A little bit of baking soda and some broth or water are also added. This helps the meat rolls stay juicy and flavorful. Mititei look a bit like ćevapi, which are similar meat dishes found in the Balkans and Middle East.
Mititei are usually served hot. They often come with french fries, mustard, and murături (which are pickled vegetables).
The Story of Mititei
A popular story says that Mititei were first made a long time ago. This was in the late 14th century. They are believed to have come from the Ottoman Empire. Over time, the recipe for Mititei changed a bit. Some of the original spices, like caraway seeds and allspice, were used less.
Today, Mititei are often made with pork instead of just beef and lamb. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is also commonly added. This ingredient helps the Mititei have a better taste and a softer texture.
Mititei's Importance in Romania
Mititei are super popular all over Romania. People eat them at home, in restaurants, and at pubs. But they are most famous for outdoor grilling. It's estimated that Romanians eat about 440 million Mititei every year!
Many Romanians celebrate International Workers' Day (May 1st) with barbecues and picnics. Because of this, Mititei have become strongly linked to this holiday. For example, in 2019, about 30 million Mititei were eaten on May 1st alone. Some people even call Mititei the "national dish of Romania." However, it doesn't have this official title.
Mititei are also sent to other countries. In 2018, about 5% to 10% of all Mititei made in Romania were exported. They mainly went to countries where many Romanians live, like Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
See also
In Spanish: Mititei para niños
