Croatian Grilled Beef Platter
A succulent interpretation of the traditional Croatian Pljeskavica, this grilled dish combines the rich flavors of ground beef and lovely notes of paprika and goat cheese. Modeled as a patty rather than the classic chevapchici sausages, it's a delightful and aroma-rich culinary experience. Perfectly paired with salted onions and fresh bread, it offers a hearty and satisfying meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1000 g (preferably young beef, twice grounded)
Garlic cloves
2 (finely minced)
Onions
150 g (finely minced)
Salt
3 teaspoons (none)
Pepper
2 teaspoons (none)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (red, dry, grounded, hot)
Water
1 cup (carbonated)
Goat cheese
100 g (hard, grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by taking the ground beef and ensure it is twice ground for a finer texture. Finely mince the garlic cloves and onions, then combine them with the meat in a large mixing bowl.
2
Season the meat mixture generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Ensure that these spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
3
Gradually pour in the carbonated water, mixing it into the meat with your hands. This will enhance the tenderness of the patties.
4
Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for 2-3 hours to allow flavors to meld and for the meat to marinate.
5
Once well marinated, shape the meat into burger-sized patties.
6
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the patties for a few minutes on each side until they are seared on the outside but still rose and juicy on the inside.
7
Finely grate the goat cheese and have it ready for assembly.
8
Serve the cooked patties on a plate, topped with the grated goat cheese. Accompany them with a side of fresh salted onions and warm bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Croatian Grilled Beef Platter?
The Croatian Grilled Beef Platter is a succulent interpretation of the traditional Pljeskavica, featuring twice-ground beef, paprika, and grated goat cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of meat is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1000 grams of ground beef, preferably young beef that has been twice ground for a finer texture.
What are the primary seasonings used in the meat?
The meat is seasoned with 3 teaspoons of salt, 2 teaspoons of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of hot, dry, ground red paprika.
Why is carbonated water used in the recipe?
One cup of carbonated water is mixed into the meat to enhance the tenderness and juiciness of the patties.
How long should the meat marinate?
The meat mixture should be covered and refrigerated for 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
How is the goat cheese prepared?
The recipe calls for 100 grams of hard goat cheese to be finely grated and used as a topping.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
What is the difference between this dish and chevapchici?
Unlike chevapchici which are small sausages, this dish is modeled as burger-sized patties.
What side dishes are recommended?
It is traditionally served with a side of fresh salted onions and warm bread.
How much onion is needed for the patties?
The meat mixture requires 150 grams of finely minced onions.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 2 finely minced garlic cloves.
What color should the meat be when finished cooking?
The patties should be seared on the outside but still rose and juicy on the inside.
Is the paprika used sweet or hot?
The recipe specifically calls for hot, dry, grounded red paprika.
Can I skip the refrigeration step?
It is not recommended, as the 2-3 hour refrigeration period is crucial for the flavors to develop and the meat to marinate.
What is the texture of the meat?
Because the beef is twice ground and mixed with carbonated water, the texture is fine and tender.
When is the goat cheese added?
The grated goat cheese is added as a topping once the patties are cooked and plated.
Is this a traditional Croatian dish?
Yes, it is a variation of the traditional Pljeskavica, a staple in Croatian cuisine.
How do I mix the carbonated water into the meat?
The water should be poured in gradually and mixed into the meat using your hands.
What size should the patties be?
The meat should be shaped into burger-sized patties.
How much total meat is used?
The recipe uses 1000 grams (1 kilogram) of ground beef.
What kind of bread should I serve with this?
The platter is best served with warm, fresh bread.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While hard goat cheese is recommended for its specific flavor profile, other hard grated cheeses could be substituted.
Is this dish considered hearty?
Yes, the description notes it offers a hearty and satisfying meal due to the rich flavors and side components.
How do I prepare the garlic and onions?
Both the garlic and onions should be finely minced before being combined with the meat.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: beef, garlic, onions, salt, pepper, paprika, carbonated water, and goat cheese.
How do I know when the patties are done?
They are ready when they have a visible sear on the outside but remain juicy and slightly pink inside.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
The raw data does not provide specific values for calories, fat, or protein.
Can this be cooked on a stovetop?
While the recipe specifies a grill, you could use a grill pan or heavy skillet on the stove if a grill is unavailable.
What makes this dish 'aroma-rich'?
The combination of garlic, onions, hot paprika, and grilled beef creates a very fragrant and aromatic meal.