Pljeskavica

Shopping list

• 300 g minced beef

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• 200 g minced pork

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• 100 g minced lamb

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• 1 piece onion — finely grated

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• 4 clove garlic cloves — crushed

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• 1 tsp sweet paprika

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• 0.5 tsp hot paprika

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• 1.5 tsp salt

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• 1 tsp black pepper — freshly ground

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• 2 tbsp sparkling water

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• 4 piece flatbreads (lepinja or pita)

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• 1 piece raw onion — sliced into rings

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• 150 ml sour cream (or kajmak if available)

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• 0.5 bunch fresh parsley — chopped

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Step by step

1. 1

   In a large bowl, combine the minced beef, pork and lamb with the grated onion, crushed garlic, sweet paprika, hot paprika, salt and black pepper.

2. 2

   Add the sparkling water and mix thoroughly with your hands for 3– 4 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly sticky and cohesive.

3. 3

   Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow the flavours to meld.

4. 4

   Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each into a large, flat round patty about 1.5–2 cm thick and 12–15 cm in diameter.

5. 5

   Preheat a barbecue grill or griddle pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates.

6. 6

   Grill the patties for 5– 6 minutes on the first side until charred and crispy.

7. 7

   Flip carefully and grill for another 5– 6 minutes on the second side until cooked through and nicely browned. The internal temperature should reach at least 70°C.

8. 8

   Warm the flatbreads briefly on the grill for 30 seconds per side.

9. 9

   Serve each pljeskavica in a warm flatbread, topped with raw onion rings, a generous dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.