BALKAN BURGERS

Balkan Burgers image

Provided by Julia Moskin

Time 30m

Yield 6 burgers

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound ground beef, preferably chuck
1 pound ground veal
1 pound ground pork, preferably neck or jowl meat; or use 1/3 pound pork belly and 2/3 pound regular ground pork
1/2 cup finely chopped onions plus minced onions, for serving
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon black pepper; or use 2 teaspoons sweet paprika and 1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup sparkling water
6 pita breads, warmed or toasted
Kajmak with herbs (see recipe)
Red pepper-eggplant ajvar (see recipe)

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.