Pljeskavica (Montenegrin Style)
A flavorful, grilled meat patty, often a mix of beef and pork, seasoned with onions and spices, a popular Balkan dish with Montenegrin variations.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Ground beef
- 250 g Ground pork
- 1 medium Onion(finely grated or minced)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 large Egg
- 50 g Breadcrumbs
- 50 ml Mineral water or sparkling water(cold)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, grated onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and paprika.
💡 Tip: Ensure onion is finely grated to avoid large pieces in the patty. - 2
Mix all ingredients thoroughly with your hands until well combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
- 3
Gradually add the cold mineral water while continuing to mix. This helps to make the pljeskavica juicy.
- 4
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
- 5
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into flat, round patties, about 1.5-2 cm thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
💡 Tip: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. - 6
Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan.
- 7
Grill the pljeskavice for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely browned. The internal temperature should reach 71°C (160°F).
💡 Tip: Avoid pressing down on the patties while grilling, as this squeezes out the juices. - 8
Let the pljeskavice rest for a few minutes before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a mix of beef and pork provides a good balance of flavor and juiciness.
- ✓The addition of cold sparkling water is a secret to a tender and juicy pljeskavica.
- ✓Serve hot with ajvar, onions, and kajmak for a traditional experience.
🔄 Variations
- Add finely chopped parsley or mint to the meat mixture for extra freshness.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.