Zesty Zavezanci Delight

Ingredients

• 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
• Cooking oil, for greasing the baking dish Cooking oil, for greasing the baking dish
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 cup (150g) mushrooms, finely chopped 1 cup (150g) mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• For serving: For serving:
• Sour cream Sour cream
• Fresh salad Fresh salad

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 5g
• Protein: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, eggs, and salt until a smooth batter forms. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the ground beef and mushrooms to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and the mushrooms are tender.
5. 5.
   Stir in the dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat.
6. 6.
   Grease a baking dish with cooking oil. Pour a thin layer of the pancake batter into the dish, spreading it evenly.
7. 7.
   Spoon a portion of the filling onto each pancake, spreading it out in a line down the center. Roll up the pancake tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
8. 8.
   Repeat the process with the remaining pancakes and filling, arranging them snugly in the dish.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pancakes are golden and crispy.
10. 10.
    Serve the Zavezanci hot, accompanied by a dollop of sour cream and a side of fresh salad.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute ground pork or a combination of beef and pork for a richer flavor.
• Mushrooms — Use fresh mushrooms such as cremini or button mushrooms for the best taste and texture. Finely chop them to ensure they blend well with the filling.
• Pancake batter — Allow the batter to rest for 10 minutes before cooking to ensure the pancakes turn out light and fluffy.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the filling, such as rosemary or smoked paprika, to add your own twist to the dish.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu for a protein-packed filling.

Serving advice

Serve the Zavezanci hot, allowing the crispy exterior to contrast with the tender filling. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and accompany it with a side of fresh salad for a refreshing and balanced meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Zavezanci on a platter, showcasing their golden brown color. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for an added touch of freshness. Serve with a side of colorful salad to enhance the visual appeal of the dish.