Pljeskavica (Serbian Grilled Burger Patty)

Method

1. 1

   Combine the ground beef and pork with the minced onion and chili flake in a bowl; season generously with salt and mix by hand just until it comes together — overworking makes it tough.

2. 2

   Divide into 4 portions and shape each roughly into a ball.

3. 3

   Slap each ball flat between wet palms, turning and re-wetting your hands, until it's thin and stretches to the edge of the plate — this is the pljeskavica's whole identity.

4. 4

   Heat a grill or heavy skillet until very hot before the patties go on.

5. 5

   Grill 4–5 minutes a side over strong heat, until deeply charred outside and cooked through.

   💡 Thin is the identity: a thick pljeskavica is just a burger with a passport.

6. 6

   While the patties cook, mash the feta with the sweet paprika and remaining chili flake into a rough, fiery urnebes spread.

7. 7

   Split the flatbread, load in a patty, spoon over the urnebes, scatter with raw onion and serve immediately.