Balkan Cuisine

Balkan-style grilled meat patty, often served with bread, onions, and kajmak. Ingredients (Serves 4) 600 g ground beef or beef-pork mix 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp paprika ½ tsp baking soda (optional, for tenderness) Salt and black pepper, to taste 1–2 tbsp sparkling water or cold water For serving: Lepinja or flatbread Ajvar or kajmak Sliced onions Optional: cheese, lettuce, tomatoes Preparation Prepare the mixture: In a bowl, combine ground m

Cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice, slow-cooked and commonly served for lunch. Ingredients (Serves 4–6) 1 large jar or head of fermented/sour cabbage leaves 500 g ground pork, beef, or a mixture 100 g rice 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 egg (optional) 1 tsp paprika Salt and black pepper, to taste 2 tbsp vegetable oil For cooking: 500 ml beef or vegetable broth 2 tbsp tomato paste or passata Bay leaf (optional) Smoked bacon or ribs (optional, f

Grilled minced meat sausages served in flatbread with onions and ajvar. Ingredients (Serves 4) For the ćevapi: 500 g ground beef or beef-lamb mix 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper 1 tsp paprika 1–2 tbsp cold water For serving: 4 lepinja (Balkan flatbreads) 1 small onion, finely chopped Ajvar or kajmak Optional: sour cream or yogurt Preparation Prepare the meat mixture: In a bowl, combine ground meat, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and cold water. Mix well

Soft crescent-shaped rolls, sometimes filled with cheese, jam, or chocolate. Ingredients (Serves 6–8, makes about 30–40 kiflice) 500 g all-purpose flour 250 ml warm milk 7 g active dry yeast (or 20 g fresh yeast) 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp salt 80 ml vegetable oil or melted butter 1 egg Optional fillings: Jam or marmalade Nutella or chocolate spread Soft cheese or feta For brushing: 1 egg yolk Optional: sesame or poppy seeds Preparation Activate the yeast: Mix warm milk, sugar, and ye