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Smoky Serbian Pljeskavica with Ajvar and Kajmak

Smoky Serbian Pljeskavica with Ajvar and Kajmak


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

Chef’s Tip: The secret to juicy pljeskavica lies in the fat content of the minced meat; at least 20% fat ratio keeps it succulent.

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
Chef’s Tip:

Preparation


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.

Cooking Process


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).

Pljeskavica grilling: 10 min; use medium-high heat.
2

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.
3

Storing Kajmak

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

Never leave hot oil unattended. Keep a lid nearby …

Plating & Serving


Smoky Serbian Pljeskavica with Ajvar and Kajmak

Smoky Serbian Pljeskavica with Ajvar and Kajmak

Smoky Serbian Pljeskavica with Ajvar and Kajmak

FaUtensils

Plating & Serving

Serve the pljeskavica hot off the grill on a wooden board with a generous serving of ajvar and a dollop of kajmak on the side.

Sauce Pairings

Ajvar
a tangy, roasted pepper relish with garlic
Kajmak
creamy and slightly tangy Balkan dairy spread

Garnishes & Accompaniments

Chopped fresh parsleySliced red onions

Perfect Sides

Grilled flatbreads
Pickled vegetables

Chef's Final Touch

The secret to juicy pljeskavica lies in the fat content of the minced meat; at least 20% fat ratio keeps it succulent.

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