Balkan-inspired Stuffed Sandwich

Ingredients

In this Balkan-inspired version of the Fat Sandwich, we have incorporated traditional Balkan ingredients and flavors. Instead of using American-style deli meats, we have replaced them with grilled sausages commonly found in Balkan cuisine. Additionally, we have added pickled vegetables, ajvar spread, and kajmak cheese to enhance the Balkan flavor profile of the sandwich. We alse have the original recipe for Fat Sandwich, so you can check it out.

• 4 sausages (such as cevapi or sujuk) 4 sausages (such as cevapi or sujuk)
• 1 cup (240ml) pickled vegetables (such as cucumbers, carrots, and peppers) 1 cup (240ml) pickled vegetables (such as cucumbers, carrots, and peppers)
• 1/2 cup (120g) ajvar spread 1/2 cup (120g) ajvar spread
• 1/2 cup (120g) kajmak cheese 1/2 cup (120g) kajmak cheese
• 4 slices of bread (such as ciabatta or baguette) 4 slices of bread (such as ciabatta or baguette)
• Olive oil, for grilling Olive oil, for grilling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 8g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Grill the sausages until cooked through, about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
3. 3.
   Slice the sausages lengthwise, but not all the way through, creating a pocket for the fillings.
4. 4.
   Spread ajvar on one side of each slice of bread.
5. 5.
   Place a grilled sausage in each bread slice, then stuff with pickled vegetables and kajmak cheese.
6. 6.
   Close the sandwiches and brush the outsides with olive oil.
7. 7.
   Grill the sandwiches on both sides until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
8. 8.
   Remove from the grill and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sausages — Ensure the sausages are fully cooked before slicing and stuffing them into the sandwich.
• Ajvar spread — Adjust the amount of ajvar spread according to your taste preferences. You can also make your own ajvar by roasting and pureeing red bell peppers with garlic and olive oil.
• Kajmak cheese — If kajmak cheese is not available, you can substitute it with feta cheese or cream cheese mixed with sour cream for a similar creamy texture.

Tips & Tricks

• Experiment with different types of sausages to find your favorite flavor combination.
• Add a touch of heat by including sliced jalapenos or a sprinkle of paprika.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausages with grilled vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers.
• Serve the sandwich with a side of fresh salad or fries for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a milder cheese like mozzarella instead of kajmak.

Serving advice

Serve the Balkan-inspired stuffed sandwich warm, either as a main course or cut into smaller portions as an appetizer. Accompany it with a side of pickles or a fresh salad to balance the flavors.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, cut the sandwich into halves or quarters and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for a pop of color.