Balkan pljeskavica
Pljeskavica is a popular dish in the Balkans, made from ground meat. It is similar to a hamburger or a meat patty, but it is usually larger and more flavorful, as onion and herbs with a strong and aromatic taste are used to season the meat. Pljeskavica is grilled or fried in a pan until it is perfectly cooked. In North Macedonia, it is also stuffed with cheese - this variant is called šarska pleskavica.
One of the things that make pljeskavica so tasty is the mix of meat types used. The combination of beef, pork, and lamb provides a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The spices used in the dish give the meat an interesting taste, while breadcrumbs help bind everything together and give the patty a crispy surface. Pljeskavica is one of the best meat dishes in Bulgarian cuisine.
A great feature of pljeskavica is its versatility. It can be served as a standalone dish with a side or used as a filling for sandwiches or burgers.
I had a gourmet version of pljeskavica with bacon and cheese at my favorite restaurant Staria Chinar in Varna. One perfectly cooked portion with an incredible taste and a bowl of homemade ljutenitsa cost 12.5 BGN, which is approximately 6 EUR.
If you haven't tried pljeskavica in Bulgaria yet, make sure to do so. You won't regret it!
Staria Chinar
2 Comments
There is a huge difference between a standard western hamburger patty and a real Balkan pljeskavica made by a traditional grill master. You can always tell by the thin, wide shape and that perfect springy texture that keeps all the natural juices locked inside. This portion looks absolutely flawless and the char marks on the meat look beautiful.
It was really delicious!