Pindjur & Šarska Pleskavica (Cheese-Stuffed Balkan Burger with Roasted Eggplant-Pepper Relish) – Authentic North Macedonia Recipe
Named after the Šar Mountains: a cheese-filled grilled patty paired with Macedonia’s smoky roasted eggplant pindjur.
- Country of Origin
- 🇲🇰 North Macedonia (Southern Europe, Europe)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 18 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Juicy beef patties stuffed with melted kashkaval cheese, Smoky roasted eggplant-and-pepper pindjur relish, Flatbread, Garlic, Smoked paprika
Ingredients for Pindjur & Šarska Pleskavica (Cheese-Stuffed Balkan Burger with Roasted Eggplant-Pepper Relish) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) juicy beef patties stuffed with melted kashkaval cheese, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups smoky roasted eggplant-and-pepper pindjur relish, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup flatbread
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with garlic
- 1.5 tbsp traditional North Macedonia seasoning (smoked paprika, onion, parsley)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Whisk together garlic, smoked paprika, onion, parsley, cooking oil, and sea salt in a bowl to form a fragrant North Macedonia marinade.
- Coat juicy beef patties stuffed with melted kashkaval cheese and smoky roasted eggplant-and-pepper pindjur relish thoroughly in the seasoning and let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Heat a cast-iron grill pan or heavy skillet over high heat until smoking hot.
- Sear juicy beef patties stuffed with melted kashkaval cheese and smoky roasted eggplant-and-pepper pindjur relish for 4–5 minutes per side until blistered, charred at the edges, and cooked through.
- Transfer to a warm platter, scatter with flatbread, and serve immediately.