Serbian pljeskavica: A burger with a Balkan twist

Patties, casseroles, pasta with sauce—there are countless ideas for using ground meat. When traditional Canadian dinners get boring, it's worth trying something deliciously different. Instead of ordering a burger or visiting fast food chains, I make delicious Serbian burgers. My family requests them much more often than the American version.

Pljeskavica is the Serbian counterpart to our patty, but it's flatter and seasoned in a Balkan style. In fact, the name comes from the Serbian word "pljeskati", which means "to clap" or "to slap". And that's exactly what these patties are—flattened, fried, and savoured with gusto.

Traditionally, it is made from a mix of several types of meat, most often beef, pork, and lamb. You can skip the lamb—it's difficult to find in Canada, and the taste may not be for everyone. The secret of Serbian patties lies in the additions: onion and pepper give the meat character and ensure they can't be confused with grandma's meatballs.

Pljeskavica makes a great base for burgers. Just place the patties between a bun, add vegetables, and your favourite sauces. I highly recommend trying ajvar, a spicy pepper paste. Instead of the traditional white bun, pita works well too. These burgers taste better than the usual and overhyped American sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 500 g ground beef and pork,
• 1 onion,
• 2-3 cloves of garlic,
• 1 egg,
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs,
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika,
• 1/2 teaspoon hot paprika,
• salt and pepper to taste,
• oil for frying.

Preparation method:

1. In a large bowl, place the ground meat. Add the peeled and finely chopped onion, garlic pressed through a presser, egg, breadcrumbs, sweet and hot paprika, as well as salt and pepper.
2. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until the ingredients combine.
3. Form flat patties from the meat mixture, approximately 2.5 cm thick.
4. On a heated pan with oil, fry the patties on both sides until golden brown.

Serve the ready pljeskavice on a bun, with vegetables (e.g., lettuce, tomato, cucumber), sauces (e.g., ajvar, kajmak), and fries. Enjoy!