Međimurska Bidra with a South American Twist

Ingredients

In the original Croatian dish, Međimurska Bidra, the filling typically consists of ground meat, onions, and various vegetables. The South American adaptation introduces new ingredients such as chili peppers, cilantro, and lime to give the dish a spicy and zesty kick. The traditional Croatian flavors are enhanced by the vibrant and bold flavors of South American cuisine, creating a fusion dish that is both exciting and delicious. We alse have the original recipe for Međimurska bidra, so you can check it out.

• For the pancakes: For the pancakes:
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (470ml) milk 2 cups (470ml) milk
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 chili pepper, finely chopped 1 chili pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 5g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, eggs, and salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and brush it with a thin layer of vegetable oil.
3. 3.
   Pour a ladleful of the pancake batter into the skillet and swirl it around to evenly coat the bottom. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges start to lift and the bottom is golden brown. Flip the pancake and cook for another minute. Repeat with the remaining batter.
4. 4.
   In a separate pan, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, red bell pepper, garlic, and chili pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
5. 5.
   Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, beef broth, lime juice, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the flavors meld together.
6. 6.
   To assemble, place a spoonful of the filling onto each pancake and roll it up tightly. Serve warm.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground chicken or turkey if desired.
• Chili pepper — Adjust the amount of chili pepper according to your spice preference. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
• Fresh cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a different herbaceous flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To make the pancakes extra crispy, add a little more oil to the skillet and cook them on slightly higher heat.
• If you prefer a smoother filling, you can blend the cooked meat and vegetables in a food processor before assembling the pancakes.
• Serve the stuffed pancakes with a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness.
• Experiment with different fillings by adding ingredients like black beans, corn, or cheese to the meat mixture.
• Leftover pancakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.

Serving advice

Serve the Međimurska Bidra with a South American Twist as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and a wedge of lime for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed pancakes on a platter, neatly rolled and placed side by side. Drizzle a little extra tomato paste or lime juice over the top for an attractive presentation. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for a pop of color.