Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 egg
- 1 red bell pepper, roasted and peeled
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Grill or grill pan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, bread crumbs, milk, and egg until well combined.
2. Divide the mixture into 4 portions and shape each portion into a patty.
3. Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. Grill the patties for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the ajvar sauce by combining roasted red bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until smooth.
6. Serve the grilled pljeskavica with the spicy ajvar sauce on top.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
5. Temperature:
- Grill or grill pan: medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 580
- Fat: 43g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 38g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef and pork can be substituted with ground lamb or turkey.
- Bread crumbs can be substituted with almond flour or coconut flour.
- Red bell pepper can be substituted with roasted eggplant or tomato.
Variations:
- Add chopped parsley or cilantro to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
- Top the pljeskavica with feta cheese or tzatziki sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to handle the meat mixture gently to avoid overworking it.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the patties are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover pljeskavica and ajvar sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the pljeskavica in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Reheat the ajvar sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the grilled pljeskavica on a bed of lettuce or with a side salad.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Rice or quinoa salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the patties are falling apart on the grill, try chilling the meat mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping into patties.
Food safety advice:
- Always wash your hands and utensils thoroughly before and after handling raw meat.
- Cook the patties to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
- Pljeskavica is a popular dish in the Balkans, particularly in Serbia, Bosnia, and Croatia. It is typically made with a mixture of ground beef and pork, seasoned with onion, garlic, and paprika.
Flavor profiles:
- The grilled pljeskavica has a smoky and savory flavor, while the spicy ajvar sauce adds a tangy and slightly sweet kick.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the grilled pljeskavica with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the ajvar sauce.
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Region: Serbian