Smoky Balkan Pljeskavica with Ajvar Cream & Leek Mash
Celebrate the bold flavors of the Balkans with this juicy, spiced meat patty served alongside a velvety ajvar-infused sauce. The combination of smoky peppers and leek-flecked potatoes creates a comforting yet exciting dinner that is perfect for the cooling temperatures of Week 40.
Ingredients
- Ground beef and pork mix600 g
- Yellow onion, finely minced1 stk
- Garlic cloves, minced3 stk
- Smoked paprika1 tsp
- Sparkling water2 tbsp
- Potatoes, peeled and cubed800 g
- Leek, thinly sliced1 stk
- Ajvar (roasted red pepper relish)4 tbsp
- Sour cream200 ml
- Butter2 tbsp
Instructions
Place the cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.
While potatoes boil, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small pan and sauté the sliced leeks over medium heat until they are soft and translucent.
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, minced onion, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and sparkling water. Mix by hand until the texture is slightly elastic.
Divide the meat into 4 portions and flatten them into large, thin rounds. Fry in a hot pan with a little oil for about 4-5 minutes on each side until charred and cooked through.
Remove the patties from the pan. In the same pan, stir in the ajvar and sour cream. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the meat.
Drain the potatoes and mash them with the remaining butter and the sautéed leeks. Serve the patties on top of the mash with a generous ladle of the smoky ajvar sauce.
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