Leskovački Roštilj - Serbian Grilled Meat Platter

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground lamb 500g (1.1 lb) ground lamb
• 500g (1.1 lb) beef sirloin, cut into cubes 500g (1.1 lb) beef sirloin, cut into cubes
• 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, cut into cubes 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, cut into cubes
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup plain yogurt 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Ajvar, for serving Ajvar, for serving
• Kajmak, for serving Kajmak, for serving
• Somun or pita bread, for serving Somun or pita bread, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories: 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat: 35g (Saturated Fat: 12g)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the meat mixture into small sausages for the cevapi and round patties for the pljeskavica. Set aside.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add the beef and pork cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. 4.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the cevapi and pljeskavica on the grill, cooking for about 5-7 minutes per side until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
5. 5.
   Thread the marinated beef and pork cubes onto skewers and grill for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6. 6.
   Serve the grilled meats hot with ajvar, kajmak, and somun or pita bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef and lamb — Ensure the meat is well mixed with the spices to evenly distribute the flavors.
• Yogurt marinade — For tender and juicy skewered meat, allow the beef and pork cubes to marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the meat mixture.
• Serve Leskovački Roštilj with a side of fresh cabbage salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
• If somun or pita bread is not available, you can serve the grilled meats with crusty bread or even as a filling for sandwiches.
• Experiment with different toppings such as chopped onions, pickles, or hot sauce to personalize your Leskovački Roštilj experience.
• If you don't have access to a grill, you can also cook the meats on a stovetop grill pan or broil them in the oven.

Serving advice

Serve Leskovački Roštilj on a large platter, arranging the cevapi, pljeskavica, and raznjici attractively. Accompany the meats with ajvar, kajmak, and warm somun or pita bread. Encourage guests to assemble their own sandwiches by placing the grilled meats inside the bread and adding their desired toppings.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, garnish the platter with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill. Serve the ajvar and kajmak in small bowls alongside the grilled meats. Consider using a wooden or ceramic platter to add a rustic touch to the presentation.