Main Course · Dinner · Eastern European ·

Smoky Serbian Pljeskavica with Ajvar and Kajmak

Name: Smoky Serbian Pljeskavica with Ajvar and Kajmak
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
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 smoky Serbian dish featuring a grilled patty served with ajvar and creamy kajmak for a warm, satisfying meal.

4.8(418 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·September 18, 2025

Smoky Serbian Pljeskavica with Ajvar and Kajmak — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Pljeskavica

For the Ajvar

For the Kajmak

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 744 kcal
Protein: 33.5 g
Carbs: 17.5 g
Fat: 59 g
Fiber: 4.75 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2974 kcal
Protein: 134 g
Carbs: 70 g
Fat: 236 g
Fiber: 19 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
400g ground beef (20% fat)	1090	84	0	80	0
200g ground pork	540	36	0	42	0
1 small onion, finely chopped	30	1	7	0	1
2 cloves garlic, minced	9	0	2	0	0
1 teaspoon smoked paprika	6	0	1	0	1
1 teaspoon salt	0	0	0	0	0
½ teaspoon black pepper	3	0	1	0	1
2 large red bell peppers	50	2	12	0	4
1 large eggplant	150	5	35	1	12
2 cloves garlic	9	0	2	0	0
2 tablespoons olive oil	240	0	0	27	0
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
200ml sour cream	392	4	8	38	0
100ml clotted cream	455	2	2	48	0
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0

Nutritional values are estimates and not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Pljeskavica

1
Combine ingredients
In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2
Mix ingredients
Mix thoroughly until well-blended.
3
Shape patties
Shape into four equally sized patties.

Preparing the Ajvar

1
Roast vegetables
Roast red peppers and eggplant over an open flame or in the oven until charred.
2
Peel and chop
Peel off the skin and remove seeds, then finely chop.
3
Mix seasonings
Mix chopped veggies with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Preparing the Kajmak

1
Blend creams
Blend sour cream with clotted cream until smooth.
2
Season
Add salt to taste.
3
Chill
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

How to Make Smoky Serbian Pljeskavica with Ajvar and Kajmak

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
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).
2
Melding Ajvar flavors
After preparation, let the flavors meld together in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
3
Storing Kajmak
It can be stored in the fridge up to 3 days ahead; the flavor deepens over time.