Dairy-Free Pljeskavica

Savor the bold and smoky flavors of Dairy-Free Pljeskavica, a mouthwatering Balkan-inspired dish that's entirely free of dairy yet bursting with traditional charm. This Serbian-style grilled patty combines ground beef and pork with finely chopped onion, garlic, and a medley of spices like sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne for a subtle kick. A splash of sparkling water ensures the patties stay juicy and tender, while a quick sizzle on the grill locks in incredible flavor. Whether served with classic accompaniments like ajvar, chopped onions, and warm flatbread or enjoyed on its own, this quick-to-prepare dish (ready in just 30 minutes) is perfect for a weeknight meal or backyard barbecue. Dairy-free, juicy, and packed with robust spices, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for lovers of international cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams ground beef
• 250 grams ground pork
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons Kosher salt
• 60 milliliters sparkling water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the meat mixture.

Step 3

Sprinkle the sweet paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt over the meat.

Step 4

Pour the sparkling water over the mixture to help bind the ingredients and add moisture.

Step 5

Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together until well combined, but avoid overmixing as this can make the meat tough.

Step 6

Form the mixture into four equal-sized patties, each about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) thick. Place them on a plate or baking sheet and cover. Let them rest in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to firm up.

Step 7

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.

Step 8

Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

Step 9

Once the grill is hot, place the pljeskavica patties on the grill.

Step 10

Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and have nice grill marks.

Step 11

Remove the patties from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 12

Serve the pljeskavica hot, paired with traditional sides like ajvar, chopped onions, and flatbread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(758.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1629.2

Total Fat 124.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 402.0mg	0%
Sodium 1222.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 24.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.3g	0%
Total Sugars 8.2g
Protein 110.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 168.5mg	0%
Iron 9.3mg	0%
Potassium 1131.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 67.5%

Protein: 26.7%

Carbs: 5.8%