Serbian Lejvaca Recipes

SERBIAN HAMBURGER (PLJESKAVICA)

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• In a large bowl, mix together ground beef chuck, ground pork, ground lamb, garlic, onions, salt, and sweet or hot paprika until thoroughly combined. Do not overmix because this will toughen the meat.
• Refrigerate meat mixture for several hours for the flavors to meld and for the mixture to firm.
• Heat a grill, indoor grill , broiler or skillet. Using slightly dampened hands, divide meat mixture into 6 portions. Form into thin patties, 9 inches by 1/2 inch or about the size of a small dinner plate.
• Cook pljeskavice about 7 minutes per side.
• Serve with green onions or chopped raw onion, tomato slices, ajvar, lepinje, and pogacha bread, although some Serbs place the patty on a large bun like an American hamburger .
• Enjoy.

KIELBASA, POTATOES AN CABBAGE

Steps:

• Slice the potatoes into approximately 1-2 inch pieces.
• Put these in a large pot and cover in water with about an inch over the potatoes.
• Let the potatoes cook alone for 20-25 minutes at medium heat it will stay on that for the entire cooking process.
• Slice cabbage into eighth and add to the pot with the potatoes.
• Let these two cook together for 10 minutes.
• Cut kielbasa into about inch thick slices and again -- add to the pot.
• Let the three cook for another 20 minutes.
• Tada! It is done, turn off the heat and let it sit for about five minutes as it will be hot.

SERBIAN LEJVACA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Lightly spray or grease an 8 x 8-inch pan.
• Beat eggs in a bowl; add oil and beat Add polenta, flour, baking powder and salt; mix. Add grated zucchini, water, yogurt, cottage cheese and sour cream. Add salt to taste now or later at the table. It should be a somewhat thick batter, but if too thick, add more water.
• Pour into pan so that it's about 2 or 3 inches deep. An 8x8-inch pan worked for me. Lower oven temp to 350 and bake for 35-40 minutes.
• Remove from oven when it is cooked (toothpick should come out relatively clean when inserted 3/4 of way to middle of pan). While warm, use a knife to slice into diamond shapes while still in the pan.
• Mix together all the topping ingredients, and pour evenly over the baked base so it will soak through. Return to oven for another 10 minutes. Topping should be somewhat set. Remove from oven, and leave to sit for about 10 minutes. Residual heat further cooks the topping.