Pljeskavica

Ingredients:

• 500g ground beef
• 250g ground pork
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 100g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (10g)
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika (8g)
• 1 teaspoon salt (6g)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2g)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (2g)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15ml)
• 1 tablespoon sparkling water (15ml)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef and pork. Mix well to ensure even distribution of both meats.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sweet paprika, salt, black pepper, and baking soda to the meat mixture. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Pour in the vegetable oil and sparkling water. Continue to mix until the mixture becomes sticky and holds together well.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the baking soda to tenderize the meat.
5. Preheat a grill or a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 1 cm (0.4 inches) thick.
7. Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice char on the outside.
8. Remove from heat and let the patties rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. Serve the pljeskavica with warm flatbread, sliced onions, and ajvar or kajmak on the side.

Notes:

To enhance the flavor, let the meat mixture rest in the refrigerator overnight. Pljeskavica can be served with various accompaniments like fresh vegetables or pickles. If you prefer a spicier version, add chili flakes or hot paprika. Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on a skillet or grill before serving.