{"id":"pljeskavica_c7e7475052","slug":"pljeskavica","title":"Pljeskavica","description":"A juicy and savory Balkan-style grilled meat patty, famous for its large size and bold flavors of garlic, onion, and paprika.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":20,"cookMinutes":10,"totalMinutes":150,"activeMinutes":30},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"400g ground beef","name":"Ground Beef","quantity":400,"unit":"g","usQuantity":14.1,"usUnit":"oz","form":"ground","notes":"80/20 lean to fat ratio","group":"Meat Base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"200g ground pork","name":"Ground Pork","quantity":200,"unit":"g","usQuantity":7.1,"usUnit":"oz","form":"ground","notes":"","group":"Meat Base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"3 garlic cloves","name":"Garlic","quantity":3,"unit":"clove","usQuantity":3,"usUnit":"clove","form":"minced","notes":"","group":"Aromatics","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"1 small onion","name":"Onion","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"finely chopped","notes":"White or yellow onion","group":"Aromatics","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"1 tsp sweet paprika","name":"Paprika","quantity":5,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"powder","notes":"Sweet variety","group":"Spices","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"1 tsp salt","name":"Salt","quantity":6,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"granulated","notes":"To taste","group":"Spices","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-7","original":"1/2 tsp black pepper","name":"Black Pepper","quantity":2,"unit":"g","usQuantity":0.5,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"ground","notes":"","group":"Spices","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-8","original":"1/2 tsp baking soda","name":"Baking Soda","quantity":3,"unit":"g","usQuantity":0.5,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"powder","notes":"Used for texture/fluffiness","group":"Balkan Secret","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-9","original":"1 tbsp vegetable oil","name":"Vegetable Oil","quantity":15,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"liquid","notes":"For brushing the grill","group":"Cooking","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"Finely mince the onion and garlic cloves until they are almost a paste.","group":"Preparation","title":"Finely mince the onion and garlic cloves","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, minced onion, minced garlic, sweet paprika, salt, black pepper, and baking soda.","group":"Mixing","title":"Combine the ground beef, ground pork, minced onion, minced garlic","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Mixing"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Knead the meat mixture vigorously with your hands for about 5 minutes. This creates the 'springy' texture unique to Pljeskavica. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (ideally overnight).","group":"Resting","title":"Knead the meat mixture vigorously","timerMinutes":120,"sourceTitle":"Resting"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Lightly oil your hands and shape each portion into a ball, then flatten it between two sheets of parchment paper until it is a thin, large circle about 1/2 inch (1.3cm) thick.","group":"Shaping","title":"Divide the mixture","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Shaping"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Preheat your grill or cast-iron skillet to 400°F (204°C). Lightly brush the surface with vegetable oil. Grill the patties for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely charred on the outside and cooked through.","group":"Cooking","title":"Preheat your grill or cast-iron skillet","timerMinutes":10,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"}],"notes":"Traditional Pljeskavica is served inside a lepinja (flatbread) with ajvar (roasted red pepper spread) and kajmak (clotted cream). Resting the meat in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours is essential for the proteins to bind and develop the characteristic springy texture.","cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Balkan","Serbian"]},"course":["main"],"cookingMethod":["grill","fry"],"equipment":["grill or cast-iron skillet","large mixing bowl","parchment paper"],"diet":["high_protein","low_carb","gluten_free","dairy_free","egg_free","sugar_free"],"allergens":[],"difficulty":"medium","yield":{"amount":4,"unit":"patty","note":"Large patties approximately 15cm in diameter"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"The meat mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store leftover patties in an airtight container.","reheatingNotes":"Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to maintain juiciness."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fpljeskavica_c7e7475052%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=04f48b49-850d-44d6-a19e-c2f8e03520bf","imageAlt":"Pljeskavica — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["meat","grilled","balkan","high-protein","burger","traditional"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Pljeskavica","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T05:11:20.257Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T05:11:20.257Z","related":[{"id":"recipe_943b7108be","slug":"buckwheat-porridge-hrechana-kasha","title":"Buckwheat Porridge (Hrechana Kasha)","description":"A nutritious, nutty, and comforting Eastern European staple. This fluffy buckwheat porridge is a healthy, gluten-free dish that is perfect for breakfast or as a hearty side.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":20,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Ukrainian"]},"course":["main","side"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free","high_protein"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_943b7108be%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=7dd38cb8-7bb4-48fd-b6e8-db1d1eed0a49","imageAlt":"Buckwheat Porridge (Hrechana Kasha) — recipe cover","tags":["healthy","gluten-free","grains","comfort food","ukrainian"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":4,"stepCount":5},{"id":"recipe_2de0ebda17","slug":"classic-fried-eggs-yayechnya","title":"Classic Fried Eggs (Yayechnya)","description":"A simple and hearty Eastern European breakfast staple, perfectly fried in butter until the whites are set and the yolks remain golden and runny.","serves":1,"time":{"prepMinutes":1,"cookMinutes":4,"totalMinutes":5,"activeMinutes":5},"cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Ukrainian"]},"course":["main"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free","keto","low_carb"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_2de0ebda17%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=0988b3e6-a90f-4431-b861-ac88053e5f08","imageAlt":"Classic Fried Eggs (Yayechnya) — recipe cover","tags":["eggs","breakfast","quick","protein","ukrainian","low carb"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":4,"stepCount":5},{"id":"ovsena_kasa_da34fa4a4b","slug":"creamy-oatmeal-ovsena-kasa","title":"Creamy Oatmeal (Ovsená Kaša)","description":"A comforting and nourishing Eastern European breakfast staple made with rolled oats simmered in milk and water, traditionally served with a knob of butter and honey.","serves":1,"time":{"prepMinutes":2,"cookMinutes":8,"totalMinutes":10,"activeMinutes":8},"cuisine":{"group":"Eastern European","specific":["Slovak"]},"course":["main"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fovsena_kasa_da34fa4a4b%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=f129ec12-1f3d-4b53-b747-f42d48dcf3a2","imageAlt":"Creamy Oatmeal (Ovsená Kaša) — recipe cover","tags":["oatmeal","porridge","healthy","warm breakfast","easy breakfast","slovak"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":6,"stepCount":5}]}