The story of famous Romanian “Mititei” or “Mici”

The story of Romanian “mici” or “mititei” is intertwined with the country’s culinary history. “Mititei” is a popular traditional dish in Romania, consisting of small, skinless sausages, typically made from a mixture of different meats (usually beef, pork, and lamb) and seasoned with various herbs and spices.

The origin of “mititei” is believed to date back to the 19th century. It is said that they were created by a Romanian cook named Iordache Ionescu, who was working in Bucharest. The story goes that Iordache Ionescu was attempting to make traditional sausages, but he ran out of casing, so he decided to form the sausages without it, resulting in the skinless, elongated shape that we now associate with “mititei.”

The name “mititei” comes from the Romanian word “mici,” which means “small” or “little.” This refers to the small size of these sausages, making them perfect for grilling and easy to share as appetizers or snacks.

Over the years, “mititei” have become an integral part of Romanian cuisine, especially during social gatherings, barbecues, and traditional festivals. They are typically served with mustard, bread, and always cold beer.

It’s essential to note that culinary stories and histories often have multiple versions, and specific details might vary based on different accounts. The story of “mititei” being created by Iordache Ionescu is one of the most popular and widely accepted narratives, but it’s always fascinating to explore the cultural and culinary heritage of a country through its traditional dishes.