Balkan Burger with Roasted Pepper Relish

A delicious and unique twist on the classic American burger, Balkan Burgers originate from the Balkan region of Europe. Our recipe is filled with feta cheese, for an ooey-gooey, plump main dish the entire family will enjoy. Don’t forget to top with homemade roasted pepper relish for a little spice! The best part is that you can use this roasted pepper relish on other things like grilled steaks, sandwiches, or even just with bread.

What is a Balkan Burger?

Also known as a Pljeskavica, the Balkan Burger typically consists of a beef patty (or patty made of beef and lamb) seasoned with a blend of spices, such as paprika, cumin, and garlic. Then top this burger with a variety of ingredients, such as grilled onions, tomatoes, and lettuce, though the roasted pepper relish is another way to incorporate Balkan spices and flavors. To get the right char on these patties, they’re usually flat, large, and put directly onto the grill. All together it makes a unique, spicy burger without a bun. Though you can always choose to serve it on a flatbread as they sometimes do in the Balkan region.

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Balkan Burger with Roasted Pepper Relish

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• Author: Keith Recker

Print Recipe

Description

Take a trip to the Balkan region with this flavorful burger.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 lb ground beef or lamb
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 tsp oregano
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp spicy paprika
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 10 oz feta cheese, sliced approximately ¼ inch thick

For the roasted pepper relish:

• 4 red bell peppers, whole
• 2 spicy cubanelle peppers
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 red onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp cayenne or spicy Spanish paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Remove meat from refrigerator approximately 45 minutes prior to preparation.
2. In a large mixing bowl, knead together all ingredients except feta cheese.
3. Shape approximately ¾ cup of the mixture into a ball. Flatten it and create a hollow in which to place a slice of feta. Close the mixture over the top of the feta. Repeat until all the meat is used.
4. Grill the cheese-filled patties on medium heat, until done to medium.
5. Eat while piping hot with roasted pepper relish and a side of cucumber salad.

For the roasted pepper relish:

1. Roast whole red and cubanelle peppers on a medium grill until moderately charred. Place in a tightly covered bowl to cool. Once cool, remove skin, stems and seeds. Do not rinse in water!
2. Sautee onions and garlic in olive oil until tender.
3. Add red wine vinegar, cumin, cayenne or paprika, black pepper. Cook for a minute or two.
4. Turn off the heat and add roasted peppers. Stir. Cover tightly and let cool to room temperature.
5. Serve when cool. Store in refrigerator in a covered container for up to one week.

Recipe by Keith Recker
Photography by Dave Bryce

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