Leskovac Burger

Experience the rich flavors of the Balkans with this authentic Leskovac Burger recipe, a tribute to the culinary traditions of Serbia. Made with a perfectly seasoned blend of ground beef and pork, enhanced by sweet and hot paprika, garlic, and a touch of sparkling water for maximum juiciness, this dish is a grill lover's dream. The patties are served on warm lepinja bread and slathered with ajvar, a smoky roasted red pepper spread, delivering bold and irresistible flavors in every bite. Whether garnished with sliced onions or enjoyed as is, this easy-to-prepare burger is a delightful way to elevate your next barbecue or family dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, this Leskovac specialty brings the rustic charm of Eastern European street food straight to your table!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Ground beef (80% lean)
• 300 grams Ground pork
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 medium Red onion, finely grated
• 1 teaspoon Sweet paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Hot paprika
• 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 3 tablespoons Sparkling water
• 1 tablespoon Sunflower oil
• 4 pieces Lepinja bread (or flatbread)
• 8 tablespoons Ajvar (roasted red pepper spread)
• 1 large Sliced onions (for serving, optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, minced garlic, and grated red onion.

Step 2

Add the sweet paprika, hot paprika, ground black pepper, and salt to the meat mixture. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3

Pour in the sparkling water and sunflower oil. Use your hands to mix everything together until the mixture becomes slightly sticky. This step ensures the patties remain juicy and flavorful.

Step 4

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5

After chilling, divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a flat, round patty about 1.5 cm thick.

Step 6

Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly grease the grates with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F). The patties should be nicely charred on the outside and cooked through on the inside.

Step 8

While the patties are cooking, warm the lepinja bread on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side until slightly crispy and heated through.

Step 9

To assemble, spread 2 tablespoons of ajvar on the bottom half of each lepinja bread. Place a grilled patty on top, and add sliced onions if desired.

Step 10

Top with the other half of the bread and serve immediately. Enjoy your Leskovac burger with a side of ajvar or your favorite salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1302.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2577.2

Total Fat 188.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 65.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.2g
Cholesterol 615.1mg	0%
Sodium 4556.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 46.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.6g	0%
Total Sugars 19.7g
Protein 168.2g	0%

Vitamin D 31.0IU	0%
Calcium 290.2mg	0%
Iron 15.8mg	0%
Potassium 2073.6mg	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: 66.4%

Protein: 26.3%

Carbs: 7.2%