Živa Pljeskavica with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 burger buns 4 burger buns
• Ajvar, for topping Ajvar, for topping
• Kajmak, for topping Kajmak, for topping
• Lettuce, tomato, and onion slices, for garnish Lettuce, tomato, and onion slices, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 30g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into thick patties.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Place the patties on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
5. 5.
   While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the burger buns on the grill.
6. 6.
   Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
7. 7.
   Assemble the burgers by spreading ajvar and kajmak on the bottom half of each bun. Place a patty on top and garnish with lettuce, tomato, and onion slices. Cover with the top half of the bun.
8. 8.
   Serve the Živa Pljeskavica burgers hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef and pork — Use lean cuts of meat for a healthier option. Make sure the meat is well-chilled before mixing to enhance the texture of the patties.
• Ajvar — You can make your own ajvar by roasting red bell peppers, eggplant, and garlic, then blending them with olive oil and spices. Alternatively, you can find ready-made ajvar in specialty stores or online.
• Kajmak — If kajmak is not available, you can substitute it with cream cheese or sour cream for a similar creamy texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, you can add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of red wine to the meat mixture.
• To prevent the burgers from sticking to the grill, lightly oil the grates before cooking.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a few drops of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
• Experiment with different toppings such as pickles, crispy bacon, or melted cheese to customize your Živa Pljeskavica.
• Serve the burgers with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Živa Pljeskavica burgers hot off the grill to fully enjoy their juicy and flavorful goodness. Accompany them with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can skewer a pickle slice and a cherry tomato on a toothpick and place it on top of the burger. This adds a pop of color and a touch of elegance to the dish.