Smoky Serbian Pljeskavica with Ajvar and Kajmak

Name: Smoky Serbian Pljeskavica with Ajvar and Kajmak
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 400g ground beef (20% fat); 200g ground pork; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 large red bell peppers; 1 large eggplant; 2 cloves garlic; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 200ml sour cream; 100ml clotted cream; Salt to taste

A traditional Balkan meat patty with rich roasted flavors

A smoky Serbian dish featuring a grilled patty served with ajvar and creamy kajmak for a warm, satisfying meal.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Pljeskavica

400g ground beef (20% fat)

200g ground pork

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Ajvar

2 large red bell peppers

1 large eggplant

2 cloves garlic

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Kajmak

200ml sour cream

100ml clotted cream

Salt to taste

Preparation

Preparing the Pljeskavica

Combine ingredients

In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Mix ingredients

Mix thoroughly until well-blended.

Shape patties

Shape into four equally sized patties.

Preparing the Ajvar

Roast vegetables

Roast red peppers and eggplant over an open flame or in the oven until charred.

Peel and chop

Peel off the skin and remove seeds, then finely chop.

Mix seasonings

Mix chopped veggies with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Preparing the Kajmak

Blend creams

Blend sour cream with clotted cream until smooth.

Season

Add salt to taste.

Chill

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cooking Process

Grilling the Pljeskavica

Heat your grill to medium-high then cook patties for about 5 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).

Pljeskavica grilling: 10 min; use medium-high heat.

Melding Ajvar flavors

After preparation, let the flavors meld together in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Ajvar roasting and prepping: 40 min.

Storing Kajmak

It can be stored in the fridge up to 3 days ahead; the flavor deepens over time.

Plating & Serving