BALKAN BURGERS

By BobD

Ingredients

• 6 SERVINGS
• Pljeskavica
• 1 pound ground beef, preferably chuck
• 1 pound ground veal
• 1 pound ground pork, preferably neck or jowl meat; or use 1/3 pound pork belly and 2/3 pound regular ground pork
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions plus minced onions, for serving
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper; or use 2 teaspoons sweet paprika and 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup sparkling water
• 6 pita breads, warmed or toasted
• Kajmak with herbs (see recipe)
• Red pepper-eggplant ajvar (see recipe).

Details

Servings 6
Adapted from nytimes.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a large bowl, place meats, 1/2 cup chopped onions, salt, pepper and sparkling water. Using your hands, lightly combine ingredients. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.

2. Divide mixture into six equal balls. Place one ball between two sheets of plastic wrap and use the heel of your hand to pound it to a thin patty, about 1/4-inch thick and 6 inches in diameter. Repeat with remaining meat; refrigerate patties about 1 hour.

3. Heat a grill or heavy skillet to very hot. Cook patties, turning often, until well browned on both sides, about 5 minutes total. Cut pita breads in half horizontally, and serve burgers between pieces of pita. Sprinkle with onions and spread with kajmak and ajvar as desired.

Yield: 6 burgers.