Serbian pljeskavica: The burger upgrade you need to try
Both children and adults love burgers. However, the United States' delicacy has a European counterpart that might be even better. The secret lies in the delicious meat, prepared according to a Serbian recipe.
3:28 PM EDT, November 1, 2024
Patties, casseroles, pasta with sauce—there are countless ideas for using ground meat. When traditional meals start to feel repetitive, it's worth trying something different and exciting. Instead of ordering a burger or visiting fast-food chains, I make delicious Serbian burgers. My family requests them much more often than the American version.
Pljeskavica - a simple recipe for ground meat
Pljeskavica is the Serbian version of a patty, only flatter and seasoned in a Balkan style. In fact, the name comes from the Serbian word "pljeskati," which means "to clap" or "to slap." And that's exactly what these patties are—flattened, fried, and enjoyed with delight.
Traditionally, it is made from a mix of several types of meat, most often beef, pork, and lamb. You can skip lamb if it's hard to find or if it's not to your taste. The secret of Serbian patties lies in the additions: onion and pepper give the meat character and ensure they can't be confused with other meatballs.
Serbian burgers
Pljeskavica is a great base for making burgers. Add vegetables and your favourite sauces to place the patties between a bun. I especially recommend trying ajvar, a spicy pepper paste. Instead of the traditional white bun, pita works well too. These burgers taste more exciting than typical American sandwiches.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef and pork
- 1 onion
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon hot paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Preparation method:
- In a large bowl, place the ground meat. Add the peeled and finely chopped onion, garlic pressed through a presser, egg, breadcrumbs, sweet and hot paprika, along with salt and pepper.
- Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until the ingredients combine.
- Form flat patties from the meat mixture, approximately 1 inch thick.
- On a heated pan with oil, fry the patties on both sides until golden brown.
Serve the ready pljeskavice on a bun, with vegetables (e.g., lettuce, tomato, cucumber), sauces (e.g., ajvar, kajmak), and fries. Enjoy!
