Pljeskavica is a traditional Serbian burger made from a flavorful mixture of ground meats and spices. It is often served with flatbread, onions, and a variety of accompaniments. This dish is a popular street food in Serbia and is perfect for grilling. Here’s how to make this iconic Serbian dish at home.
Ingredients:
- 500g ground beef
- 500g ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon sparkling water (optional, for fluffiness)
- Vegetable oil for grilling
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- If using, add the sparkling water to the mixture to make the patties fluffier.
- Shape the Pljeskavica:
- Divide the meat mixture into equal portions and shape each portion into a patty about 1/2 inch thick and slightly larger than the size of your buns.
- Grill the Pljeskavica:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the patties with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the patties for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice char on the outside.
- Serve:
- Serve the pljeskavica hot, in a flatbread or bun, with toppings such as sliced onions, ajvar, kajmak (Serbian cream cheese), and fresh vegetables like tomatoes and lettuce.
- You can also serve it with a side of fries or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your homemade Pljeskavica, a delicious and juicy Serbian burger!