Ajdučka Pleskavica with Spicy Ajvar Sauce

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 250g (0.55 lb) ground lamb 250g (0.55 lb) ground lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 red bell peppers 2 red bell peppers
• 1 eggplant 1 eggplant
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-2 red chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust according to desired spiciness) 1-2 red chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust according to desired spiciness)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Somun bread or burger buns Somun bread or burger buns
• Lettuce, tomatoes, and onions for serving Lettuce, tomatoes, and onions for serving

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 30g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (5g sugars)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   Divide the meat mixture into equal portions and shape them into large, flat patties.
4. 4.
   Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
5. 5.
   While the patties are grilling, prepare the ajvar sauce. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the red bell peppers and eggplant on a baking sheet and roast them for about 30 minutes, or until the skins are charred and blistered.
6. 6.
   Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and let them cool slightly. Peel off the charred skins and remove the seeds from the bell peppers.
7. 7.
   In a food processor, combine the roasted bell peppers, eggplant, minced garlic, and chopped chili peppers. Pulse until you achieve a smooth consistency.
8. 8.
   Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the ajvar mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt to taste.
9. 9.
   To serve, place the grilled pleskavica in a somun bread or burger bun. Top with a generous amount of ajvar sauce and garnish with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef and lamb — Use lean ground meat for a healthier option. If you prefer a stronger lamb flavor, increase the amount of ground lamb in the mixture.
• Red chili peppers — Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your preferred level of spiciness. Remove the seeds for a milder heat.
• Somun bread — If you can't find somun bread, you can substitute it with any soft burger buns or pita bread.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, you can grill the red bell peppers and eggplant instead of roasting them in the oven.
• If you prefer a milder ajvar sauce, remove the seeds from the chili peppers before adding them to the mixture.
• Serve the pleskavica with a side of traditional Bosnian yogurt sauce (kajmak) for added creaminess.
• Experiment with different toppings such as pickles, feta cheese, or sautéed mushrooms to customize your ajdučka pleskavica.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the patties on a stovetop grill pan or in a regular frying pan.

Serving advice

Serve the ajdučka pleskavica hot, straight off the grill, for the best flavor and texture. Accompany it with a side of fresh salad or coleslaw to balance the richness of the meat.

Presentation advice

To present the dish beautifully, place the grilled pleskavica on a plate, drizzle the ajvar sauce over it, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Serve it alongside warm somun bread and a colorful salad for an appetizing display.