In the realm of Balkan cuisine, few dishes hold a more prominent place than the Serbian pljeskavica. This delectable patty, crafted from a blend of minced meat and seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, has captivated taste buds for generations. While its origins remain shrouded in mystery, pljeskavica's popularity has soared, transcending borders and becoming a beloved culinary treasure. Embark on a culinary journey through the diverse world of pljeskavica recipes, where tradition and innovation intertwine to create a symphony of flavors. Discover the classic recipe that forms the foundation of this iconic dish, featuring a combination of beef and pork mince, intricately seasoned with paprika, garlic, and onion. Delve into variations that showcase the versatility of pljeskavica, such as the lamb and beef patty or the vegetarian version made with a medley of beans and lentils. Explore the secrets of preparing kajmak, a rich and creamy dairy spread, and ajvar, a vibrant roasted red pepper condiment, essential accompaniments that elevate the pljeskavica experience. Learn the art of grilling pljeskavica to perfection, achieving a beautifully charred exterior and a succulent, juicy interior. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a traditional bun or opt for a more elaborate presentation, the possibilities are endless. Unleash your culinary creativity and embark on a journey through the world of Serbian pljeskavica, a testament to the enduring power of culinary heritage.
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PLJESKAVICA
This Serbian-style burger packs in a ton of flavor both into the patty and toppings to make it taste like no burger you've had before.
Provided by Joshua Bousel
Time 3h10m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 24
Steps:
- To make the lepinja: Place flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a the bowl of stand mixer and whisk to combine. Add in water and milk and mix on low speed using a dough hook until no dry flour remains. Increase speed to medium and knead for 5 minutes. Remove bowl from mixer stand, cover with plastic wrap, and let dough rise at room temperature until roughly doubled in volume, about 1 hour. Transfer dough to lightly floured surface and divide into 6 equal pieces, form each into a rough ball. Transfer dough balls to a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 550°F. Flatten each piece of dough into a disc roughly 1/2-inch thick, cover, and let rise for 20 minutes. Transfer baking sheet to middle rack of oven and bake until bread is golden brown, about 7 minutes. Remove baking sheet form oven and transfer bread to a wire rack and let cool.
- To make the urnebes: Preheat broiler. Place peppers on a rimmed baking sheet and roast in broiler until skins are charred and peppers are softened, turning peppers as necessary to roast evenly. Transfer peppers to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit until cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes. Peel, stem, deseed, and finely chop peppers. Place peppers, feta or farmers cheese, cream cheese, garlic, and paprika in a medium bowl and combine using a fork or whisk. Transfer mixture to an airtight container and store in refrigerator until ready to use.
- To make the burgers: Place beef, bacon, onion, cheese, paprika, salt, pepper, and baking soda in a large bowl and mix with hands until well combined. Break off approximately 1/3 pound of beef mixture and gently shape into a flat patty. Repeat with remaining ground beef.
- Light one chimney full of charcoal. When all charcoal is lit and covered with gray ash, pour out and spread the coals evenly over entire surface of coal grate. Set cooking grate in place, cover grill and allow to preheat for 5 minutes. Clean and oil the grilling grate. Place burgers on grill and cook until well seared on both sides and almost cooked through, flipping burgers occasionally during cooking. Transfer burgers to a platter.
- Cut each lepinja in half lengthwise and place on grill, cut side down. Cook until bread is warm and slightly toasty, about 1 minute. Transfer buns to a serving platter. Spread a layer of ajvar along the bottom of each bun, top with burger, urnebes, onions, and top side of bun. Serve immediately.
PLJESKAVICA - TRADITIONAL SERBIAN BURGER RECIPE
Forget about fast food chain places and make yourself a real burger. This big Serbian guy is bursting with flavor!
Provided by CookingTheGlobe
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a bowl, mix ground beef and pork, salt, sweet paprika, black pepper and sparkling water. Combine with your hands. Brush olive oil on the surface of the meat mixture. It will help us to retain moisture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least few hours or overnight.
- Add onions to the meat mixture and mix well. Divide to 4 balls and use your hands to pound it to a thin patty. The size should be about 6-7 inches (15-17cm) in diameter.
- Grill or fry your patties for about 3-4 minutes per side or more, if desired. Take pita pockets and assemble your burgers by spreading ajvar and kajmak and adding onions and pickles as desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 668 kcal, ServingSize 1 serving
SERBIAN PLJESKAVICA (HAMBURGERS)
Pljeskavica (PLYESS-kah-vee-tsah) are Serbian hamburgers popular in one form or another throughout the Balkans. The name for these meat patties comes from pljesak, a word meaning "to clap the hands," the motion used to form these thin, large burgers. They can be made with any combination of pork, lamb and beef and can be grilled,...
Provided by Heather Trice
Categories Burgers
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- 1. Mix together all ingredients until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate for several hours for flavors to meld and mixture to firm.
- 2. Heat grill. Using slightly dampened hands, divide meat mixture into 6 portions. Form into thin patties, 9 inches by 1/2 inch or about the size of a small dinner plate.
- 3. Grill, broil or pan fry pljeskavica about 7 minutes per side. Indoor grills work well, too. Serve with green onions or chopped raw onion, tomatoes, pogacha and Serbian potato salad or cole slaw on the side. Some Serbs place the patty on a large bun like an American hamburger.
Tips:
- Choose the Right Meat: For the best pljeskavica, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork. The beef should be 80% lean and the pork should be 85% lean.
- Grind the Meat Fresh: If possible, grind the meat yourself just before cooking. This will ensure that the meat is fresh and has a good texture.
- Season the Meat Generously: Pljeskavica is a well-seasoned dish. Be sure to use plenty of salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder.
- Form the Patties Properly: Pljeskavica patties should be about 1/2-inch thick and 4 inches in diameter. Make sure to press the patties firmly so that they hold together well.
- Cook the Patties Over High Heat: Pljeskavica is traditionally cooked over a charcoal grill. However, you can also cook them in a well-seasoned cast iron skillet over high heat.
- Flip the Patties Only Once: Pljeskavica should only be flipped once during cooking. This will help to keep the juices in the patties and prevent them from drying out.
- Cook the Patties to Your Desired Doneness: Pljeskavica can be cooked to your desired doneness. However, they are traditionally cooked medium-well.
Conclusion:
Pljeskavica is a delicious and easy-to-make Serbian hamburger. It is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Whether you are grilling in the backyard or cooking in the kitchen, pljeskavica is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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