Pljeskavica with Ajvar Sauce

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 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
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 red bell peppers 2 red bell peppers
• 1 small eggplant 1 small eggplant
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Burger buns, for serving Burger buns, for serving
• Kajmak (optional), for serving Kajmak (optional), for serving
• Fresh salad (optional), for serving Fresh salad (optional), for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. 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.
   Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook 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 cooking, prepare the Ajvar sauce. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the red bell peppers and eggplant on a baking sheet and roast them for about 20-25 minutes, or until the skins are charred and the flesh is soft.
6. 6.
   Remove the roasted peppers and eggplant from the oven and let them cool slightly. Peel off the charred skins and remove the seeds from the peppers.
7. 7.
   In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted peppers, eggplant, minced garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the Pljeskavica on burger buns, topped with a generous amount of Ajvar sauce. Optionally, add a dollop of kajmak and serve with fresh salad on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. Make sure the beef is well-chilled before mixing it with other ingredients to maintain its texture.
• Red bell peppers and eggplant — Roasting the peppers and eggplant until they are charred will enhance their flavors and make them easier to peel.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, you can add finely chopped parsley or cilantro to the meat mixture before shaping the patties.
• If you don't have a grill or grill pan, you can also cook the patties on a stovetop skillet over medium-high heat.
• If you prefer a spicier Ajvar sauce, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the blender.

Serving advice

Serve the Pljeskavica on warm burger buns, topped with a generous amount of Ajvar sauce. Optionally, spread some kajmak on the buns for added creaminess. Serve with a fresh salad on the side for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Pljeskavica on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill. Drizzle some extra Ajvar sauce over the patties for an appetizing presentation. Serve with a side of fresh salad and warm burger buns.