Are you still eating burgers at Mcdonald’s? Or Burger King? Or at any other fast food chain place? Forget about them. I’m serious. This post will change your idea of what a real burger should look like. Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the king of burgers – Serbian Pljeskavica. The name comes from the word pljesak which means “to clap hands”. Don’t worry if you can’t spell it, better save your energy for this huge flavorful meat patty slathered with multiple condiments and enveloped in a soft pillowy flatbread.
Actually Pljeskavica is not the name for the burger. It’s just a mixed-meat patty made with any combination of ground beef, lamb and pork. It can be served without any flatbread or bun at all, with various condiments on the plate, however in Serbian restaurants you will mostly get it in a form of a burger. Sometimes Pljeskavica is called a Balkan burger, because it is also popular in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Montenegro. Lately it has also spread to other European countries and even to the United States. There are plenty of reasons why.
First of all, despite the fact that it’s considered fast food, it’s not the type of fast food you are used to. It is just called like that because it’s made quickly and that’s where the similarities with famous fast food chains end. Pljeskavica is a piece of real, fresh meat. It is full of flavor and you will feel the difference from the very first bite. Moreover, these Serbian meat patties are like McDonald’s on steroids. They are HUGE. One is more than enough for an average man. I hardly finished mine. And don’t get me wrong here. They are not HUGE because we make them like that at home, but this is actually the size you will get if you order Pljeskavica in Balkans.
Ingredients:
Way of preparation
Step 1
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.
Step 2
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least few hours or overnight.
Step 3
Add onions to the meat mixture and mix well.
Step 4
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.
Step 5
Grill or fry your patties for about 3-4 minutes per side or more, if desired.
Optional
Take pita pockets and assemble your burgers by spreading ajvar, kajmak and adding onions and pickles as desired.