Balkan Burger Food

BALKAN BURGER

Steps:

• Mix all burger ingredients together with a fork and then with your hands. Shape the meat into patties and place covered in the fridge for 40 minutes. Take the burgers out 20 minutes before you want to cook them.
• Toss the shredded cabbage with the apple cider vinegar.
• Heat a grill pan on medium/high heat. Grill the burgers for 5 minutes on each side for medium rare. Remove from the grill pan, tent, and let rest for 5 minutes before assembling.
• While your burgers are cooking, warm your pitas in the oven wrapped in aluminum foil for 5-10 minutes. Slice the pitas in half when they come out of the oven.
• Assemble your burgers: put the bottom half of the pita on a plate, lay down a handful of cabbage, add the burger, top with cheese, sliced onions, ajvar, and the top lid of your pita. Throw the rest of the cabbage and any remaining onions on the plate to enjoy along the way.

BALKAN BURGERS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, place meats, 1/2 cup chopped onions, salt, pepper and sparkling water. Using your hands, lightly combine ingredients. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.
• Divide mixture into six equal balls. Place one ball between two sheets of plastic wrap and use the heel of your hand to pound it to a thin patty, about 1/4-inch thick and 6 inches in diameter. Repeat with remaining meat; refrigerate patties about 1 hour.
• Heat a grill or heavy skillet to very hot. Cook patties, turning often, until well browned on both sides, about 5 minutes total. Cut pita breads in half horizontally, and serve burgers between pieces of pita. Sprinkle with onions and spread with kajmak and ajvar as desired.