Moderate
Pleskavica / Burger Patty
The debate over whether it's Šarska Pleskavica or Lovečka Pleskavica adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish! 🌄 Šarska Pleskavica is named after the Šar Planina Mountain in Macedonia. It features cheese hidden in the center of the patty, offering a delightful surprise with each bite. In contrast, Lovečka Pleskavica, meaning "Hunter’s Pleskavica," blends cheese directly into the meat mixture, creating a savory crust that locks in moisture and ensures a juicy burger. 🍔🧀
For a simpler take, Leskovačka Pljeskavica sticks to ground beef, delivering a robust and straightforward flavor.
Making Pleskavica is similar to making Kjofte or Kjebapi: season a mix of beef, pork, and lamb, chill it to let the flavors meld, shape it into patties, and grill them to perfection. The grilling process adds a smoky char that’s hard to resist.
Traditionally served with Lepinja (a soft Balkan flatbread), Ajvar (a roasted red pepper relish), fresh onions, and pickled hot peppers, Pleskavica is often accompanied by Šopska Salad—a refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh cheese. This hearty, flavorful spread embodies Balkan hospitality and makes every meal a celebration of shared traditions. 🍽️🔥
⛰️
Challenging
⏱️
1 hour - 1.5 hours
🥘
Grilling/Frying
👽
4
Moderate
Pleskavica / Burger Patty
The debate over whether it's Šarska Pleskavica or Lovečka Pleskavica adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish! 🌄 Šarska Pleskavica is named after the Šar Planina Mountain in Macedonia. It features cheese hidden in the center of the patty, offering a delightful surprise with each bite. In contrast, Lovečka Pleskavica, meaning "Hunter’s Pleskavica," blends cheese directly into the meat mixture, creating a savory crust that locks in moisture and ensures a juicy burger. 🍔🧀
For a simpler take, Leskovačka Pljeskavica sticks to ground beef, delivering a robust and straightforward flavor.
Making Pleskavica is similar to making Kjofte or Kjebapi: season a mix of beef, pork, and lamb, chill it to let the flavors meld, shape it into patties, and grill them to perfection. The grilling process adds a smoky char that’s hard to resist.
Traditionally served with Lepinja (a soft Balkan flatbread), Ajvar (a roasted red pepper relish), fresh onions, and pickled hot peppers, Pleskavica is often accompanied by Šopska Salad—a refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh cheese. This hearty, flavorful spread embodies Balkan hospitality and makes every meal a celebration of shared traditions. 🍽️🔥
⛰️
Challenging
⏱️
1 hour - 1.5 hours
🥘
Grilling/Frying
👽
4
Moderate
Pleskavica / Burger Patty
The debate over whether it's Šarska Pleskavica or Lovečka Pleskavica adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish! 🌄 Šarska Pleskavica is named after the Šar Planina Mountain in Macedonia. It features cheese hidden in the center of the patty, offering a delightful surprise with each bite. In contrast, Lovečka Pleskavica, meaning "Hunter’s Pleskavica," blends cheese directly into the meat mixture, creating a savory crust that locks in moisture and ensures a juicy burger. 🍔🧀
For a simpler take, Leskovačka Pljeskavica sticks to ground beef, delivering a robust and straightforward flavor.
Making Pleskavica is similar to making Kjofte or Kjebapi: season a mix of beef, pork, and lamb, chill it to let the flavors meld, shape it into patties, and grill them to perfection. The grilling process adds a smoky char that’s hard to resist.
Traditionally served with Lepinja (a soft Balkan flatbread), Ajvar (a roasted red pepper relish), fresh onions, and pickled hot peppers, Pleskavica is often accompanied by Šopska Salad—a refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh cheese. This hearty, flavorful spread embodies Balkan hospitality and makes every meal a celebration of shared traditions. 🍽️🔥
⛰️
Challenging
⏱️
1 hour - 1.5 hours
🥘
Grilling/Frying
👽
4
🧺
INGREDIENTS
🔪
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
👩🏻🍳
Preparation
Prepare the Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine 600 g of ground meat (70% beef and 30% pork) with grated onion and minced garlic. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the onion to avoid a soggy mixture.
Add ½ tsp baking soda, ¼ cup breadcrumbs (30 g), and your choice of herbs. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Knead the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This chilling step helps the patties hold their shape during cooking.
Form the Patties:
After chilling, divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. With oiled hands, shape each portion into a ball, then flatten each ball into a patty about ½ inch thick. Traditional Pleskavica patties are larger and flatter than typical burgers, roughly the size of a small plate.
Place one slice of cheese in the center of each patty. Cover it with another flattened meat patty to form a sandwich. Press the edges gently to seal the cheese inside.
Cook the Pleskavica:
Heat some oil in a fry pan or on a grill over medium-high heat.
Fry or grill the Pleskavica patties for about 10 minutes on each side, or until they are well-browned and cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy:
Pleskavica is incredibly versatile! Serve it with traditional accompaniments such as sliced onions and pickled peppers—this is a must! You can also enjoy it with homemade, soft buns 🍔, Lepinja or flatbread, or alongside homemade French fries, baked potatoes, or rice.
For a complete meal, add Kajmak and Ajvar, and always include a fresh salad like grated cabbage, carrots, and beetroot or a refreshing Šopska salad. 🥗🥬🥕👩🏻🌾
Tips:
For extra flavor, consider seasoning your meat mixture with additional spices or herbs of your choice.
To keep the Pleskavica juicy, avoid overcooking and handle the patties gently.
Prepare the Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine 600 g of ground meat (70% beef and 30% pork) with grated onion and minced garlic. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the onion to avoid a soggy mixture.
Add ½ tsp baking soda, ¼ cup breadcrumbs (30 g), and your choice of herbs. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Knead the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This chilling step helps the patties hold their shape during cooking.
Form the Patties:
After chilling, divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. With oiled hands, shape each portion into a ball, then flatten each ball into a patty about ½ inch thick. Traditional Pleskavica patties are larger and flatter than typical burgers, roughly the size of a small plate.
Place one slice of cheese in the center of each patty. Cover it with another flattened meat patty to form a sandwich. Press the edges gently to seal the cheese inside.
Cook the Pleskavica:
Heat some oil in a fry pan or on a grill over medium-high heat.
Fry or grill the Pleskavica patties for about 10 minutes on each side, or until they are well-browned and cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy:
Pleskavica is incredibly versatile! Serve it with traditional accompaniments such as sliced onions and pickled peppers—this is a must! You can also enjoy it with homemade, soft buns 🍔, Lepinja or flatbread, or alongside homemade French fries, baked potatoes, or rice.
For a complete meal, add Kajmak and Ajvar, and always include a fresh salad like grated cabbage, carrots, and beetroot or a refreshing Šopska salad. 🥗🥬🥕👩🏻🌾
Tips:
For extra flavor, consider seasoning your meat mixture with additional spices or herbs of your choice.
To keep the Pleskavica juicy, avoid overcooking and handle the patties gently.
Prepare the Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine 600 g of ground meat (70% beef and 30% pork) with grated onion and minced garlic. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the onion to avoid a soggy mixture.
Add ½ tsp baking soda, ¼ cup breadcrumbs (30 g), and your choice of herbs. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Knead the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This chilling step helps the patties hold their shape during cooking.
Form the Patties:
After chilling, divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. With oiled hands, shape each portion into a ball, then flatten each ball into a patty about ½ inch thick. Traditional Pleskavica patties are larger and flatter than typical burgers, roughly the size of a small plate.
Place one slice of cheese in the center of each patty. Cover it with another flattened meat patty to form a sandwich. Press the edges gently to seal the cheese inside.
Cook the Pleskavica:
Heat some oil in a fry pan or on a grill over medium-high heat.
Fry or grill the Pleskavica patties for about 10 minutes on each side, or until they are well-browned and cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy:
Pleskavica is incredibly versatile! Serve it with traditional accompaniments such as sliced onions and pickled peppers—this is a must! You can also enjoy it with homemade, soft buns 🍔, Lepinja or flatbread, or alongside homemade French fries, baked potatoes, or rice.
For a complete meal, add Kajmak and Ajvar, and always include a fresh salad like grated cabbage, carrots, and beetroot or a refreshing Šopska salad. 🥗🥬🥕👩🏻🌾
Tips:
For extra flavor, consider seasoning your meat mixture with additional spices or herbs of your choice.
To keep the Pleskavica juicy, avoid overcooking and handle the patties gently.
⭐️
Bonus recipe
🥩 Leskovačka Pleskavica
For Leskovačka Pleskavica, you’ll need ground beef from the neck, shoulder, and flank with some kidney fat. The salt percentage should be 2% of the total meat. When preparing the mixture, finely chop the onion instead of grating it. A true Leskovačka Pleskavica weighs between 180 to 200 grams. Shape the Pleskavica similarly to Šarska, but do not connect the pieces. This way, you will have 8 individual Pleskavici. Do not use cheese. The Pleskavica should be thinner, so be careful not to burn or overcook it. Fry or grill the Pleskavica for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until well-browned.
🥩 Leskovačka Pleskavica
For Leskovačka Pleskavica, you’ll need ground beef from the neck, shoulder, and flank with some kidney fat. The salt percentage should be 2% of the total meat. When preparing the mixture, finely chop the onion instead of grating it. A true Leskovačka Pleskavica weighs between 180 to 200 grams. Shape the Pleskavica similarly to Šarska, but do not connect the pieces. This way, you will have 8 individual Pleskavici. Do not use cheese. The Pleskavica should be thinner, so be careful not to burn or overcook it. Fry or grill the Pleskavica for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until well-browned.
🥩 Leskovačka Pleskavica
For Leskovačka Pleskavica, you’ll need ground beef from the neck, shoulder, and flank with some kidney fat. The salt percentage should be 2% of the total meat. When preparing the mixture, finely chop the onion instead of grating it. A true Leskovačka Pleskavica weighs between 180 to 200 grams. Shape the Pleskavica similarly to Šarska, but do not connect the pieces. This way, you will have 8 individual Pleskavici. Do not use cheese. The Pleskavica should be thinner, so be careful not to burn or overcook it. Fry or grill the Pleskavica for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until well-browned.
The debate over whether it's Šarska Pleskavica or Lovečka Pleskavica adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish! 🌄 Šarska Pleskavica is named after the Šar Planina Mountain in Macedonia. It features cheese hidden in the center of the patty, offering a delightful surprise with each bite. In contrast, Lovečka Pleskavica, meaning "Hunter’s Pleskavica," blends cheese directly into the meat mixture, creating a savory crust that locks in moisture and ensures a juicy burger. 🍔🧀
For a simpler take, Leskovačka Pljeskavica sticks to ground beef, delivering a robust and straightforward flavor.
Making Pleskavica is similar to making Kjofte or Kjebapi: season a mix of beef, pork, and lamb, chill it to let the flavors meld, shape it into patties, and grill them to perfection. The grilling process adds a smoky char that’s hard to resist.
Traditionally served with Lepinja (a soft Balkan flatbread), Ajvar (a roasted red pepper relish), fresh onions, and pickled hot peppers, Pleskavica is often accompanied by Šopska Salad—a refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh cheese. This hearty, flavorful spread embodies Balkan hospitality and makes every meal a celebration of shared traditions. 🍽️🔥
The debate over whether it's Šarska Pleskavica or Lovečka Pleskavica adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish! 🌄 Šarska Pleskavica is named after the Šar Planina Mountain in Macedonia. It features cheese hidden in the center of the patty, offering a delightful surprise with each bite. In contrast, Lovečka Pleskavica, meaning "Hunter’s Pleskavica," blends cheese directly into the meat mixture, creating a savory crust that locks in moisture and ensures a juicy burger. 🍔🧀
For a simpler take, Leskovačka Pljeskavica sticks to ground beef, delivering a robust and straightforward flavor.
Making Pleskavica is similar to making Kjofte or Kjebapi: season a mix of beef, pork, and lamb, chill it to let the flavors meld, shape it into patties, and grill them to perfection. The grilling process adds a smoky char that’s hard to resist.
Traditionally served with Lepinja (a soft Balkan flatbread), Ajvar (a roasted red pepper relish), fresh onions, and pickled hot peppers, Pleskavica is often accompanied by Šopska Salad—a refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh cheese. This hearty, flavorful spread embodies Balkan hospitality and makes every meal a celebration of shared traditions. 🍽️🔥
The debate over whether it's Šarska Pleskavica or Lovečka Pleskavica adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish! 🌄 Šarska Pleskavica is named after the Šar Planina Mountain in Macedonia. It features cheese hidden in the center of the patty, offering a delightful surprise with each bite. In contrast, Lovečka Pleskavica, meaning "Hunter’s Pleskavica," blends cheese directly into the meat mixture, creating a savory crust that locks in moisture and ensures a juicy burger. 🍔🧀
For a simpler take, Leskovačka Pljeskavica sticks to ground beef, delivering a robust and straightforward flavor.
Making Pleskavica is similar to making Kjofte or Kjebapi: season a mix of beef, pork, and lamb, chill it to let the flavors meld, shape it into patties, and grill them to perfection. The grilling process adds a smoky char that’s hard to resist.
Traditionally served with Lepinja (a soft Balkan flatbread), Ajvar (a roasted red pepper relish), fresh onions, and pickled hot peppers, Pleskavica is often accompanied by Šopska Salad—a refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh cheese. This hearty, flavorful spread embodies Balkan hospitality and makes every meal a celebration of shared traditions. 🍽️🔥
Go to recipe immediately! ↓