Fusion Recipe: 🇧🇦🇰🇼 Mandy Pljeskavica

 🇧🇦🇰🇼 Mandy Pljeskavica

The Mandy Pljeskavica is an inventive fusion that takes the beloved Bosnian Pljeskavica (a large, spiced meat patty often called the "Balkan burger") and infuses it with the deep, aromatic flavours of Kuwaiti cuisine, particularly the spices used in Mandi or Mačboos. The traditional Bosnian paprika and garlic are complemented by the earthy warmth of turmeric and the distinctive citrus notes of loomi (dried lime). This combination creates a hearty, juicy patty that is traditionally served with a cooling, saffron-tinged kaymak (clotted cream) sauce, balancing the richness of the meat with fresh tang and exotic spice.

📝 Ingredients

For the Mandy Pljeskavica Patty

• Meat:
• 500 g ground beef (preferably 80/20 mix)¹
  
• 300 g ground lamb (or more beef for beef-only version)
• Bosnian Staples:
• 1 medium onion, very finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced²
  
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1/2 tsp baking soda (for texture, optional but recommended)
• 50 ml sparkling water
• Kuwaiti Fusion Spices:
• 1 tsp ground loomi (dried lime) powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• Seasoning:
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Saffron Kaymak-Style Sauce

• 100 g kajmak (or a mix of sour cream, cream cheese, and feta)³
  
• 100 ml thick plain yogurt
• Pinch of saffron threads, dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste

To Serve

• Lepinja or pita flatbreads⁴
  
• Thinly sliced fresh onion
• Ajvar (roasted red pepper relish)⁵
  

🍳 Instructions and Method

1. Prepare and Marinate the Meat

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and lamb.
• Add the grated onion, minced garlic, paprika, baking soda, and sparkling water.⁶
  
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the loomi powder, cardamom, turmeric, cinnamon (if using), salt, and black pepper.
• Add the mixed spices to the meat and pour in the olive oil.
• Method: Using your hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly for 5-6 minutes until everything is evenly combined, but do not over-mix. Over-mixing can make the patty tough.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to meld and the meat to firm up.

2. Make the Saffron Kaymak Sauce

• Combine the kajmak (or the cream/cheese mixture) and yogurt in a bowl.
• Stir in the dissolved saffron threads and their water, and the lemon juice.
• Season lightly with salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
• Cover and refrigerate until serving.

3. Shape and Cook the Pljeskavica

• Preheat your grill (charcoal is traditional for smokiness) or a heavy griddle pan to medium-high heat.⁷ Lightly oil the cooking surface.
  
• Divide the chilled meat mixture into 4-6 equal portions.
• Method: Using slightly dampened hands, shape each portion into a large, thin, flat patty—about 1.5 cm thick and the size of a small dinner plate (about 15-17 cm in diameter). Press lightly in the centre to prevent doming.
• Place the patties on the hot grill or griddle.⁸ Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.⁹ Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking, as this releases the juices.¹⁰
  
• Toast the lepinja or pita bread briefly on the grill to warm them up.¹¹
  

4. Assembly

• Slice the toasted bread open.
• Spread a layer of Ajvar on the bottom half of the bread.¹²
  
• Place the hot Mandy Pljeskavica patty on top of the relish.
• Generously dollop the Saffron Kaymak-Style Sauce over the patty.
• Top with thinly sliced fresh onions and close the sandwich.

⭐ Tips

• The Meat Mix: For the best flavour, use a mix of beef and lamb. If using beef and pork, make sure to cook the patty thoroughly.
• The Rest is Key: The long rest in the refrigerator (4+ hours) is essential for developing the deep flavour profile and ensuring the patty holds together well during cooking.
• Loomi Substitutes: If you cannot find ground loomi (dried lime), use the zest of one fresh lime along with a small amount of tamarind paste or sumac to achieve a similar tart, slightly earthy citrus note.
• Pljeskavica vs. Burger: Unlike a typical American burger patty, the Pljeskavica is usually much larger and thinner, designed to fill the entire bread.¹³