Kotlet (or Kotlety) are a classic dish in Eastern European and Russian cuisine, typically made with ground meat, potatoes, and onions. These savory meat and potato patties are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any meal. They can be pan-fried for a crispy golden crust or baked for a lighter option.
Here’s a traditional recipe for Kotlet (Meat, Potato, and Onion Patties):
Kotlet (Meat, Potato, and Onion Patties)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix of both)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and grated (about 2 cups)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or use soaked bread for extra softness)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for soaking the bread)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel and grate the potatoes finely. After grating, place the potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess moisture. This is important to avoid watery patties.
2. Sauté the Onion (Optional):
- In a small pan, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Allow the onions to cool before adding them to the mixture. This step is optional; some people prefer using raw onion for a stronger flavor, but sautéing them gives a sweeter, milder taste.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated potatoes, sautéed onions (if using), breadcrumbs, and egg.
- If you are using soaked bread instead of breadcrumbs, tear a few slices of white bread into small pieces, soak them in milk for a few minutes, then squeeze out any excess milk before adding them to the mixture.
- Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using). Mix everything well until the ingredients are fully combined. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to form into patties. If it’s too wet, add more breadcrumbs.
4. Form the Patties:
- With wet hands, shape the mixture into small oval or round patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
5. Fry the Kotlet:
- In a large skillet, heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the pan.
- Fry the kotlet on each side for about 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Turn the patties gently with a spatula to avoid breaking them.
6. Optional: Baking for Lighter Kotlet:
- If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the patties instead of frying. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the patties on a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
7. Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the kotlet from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve the kotlet hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of fresh salad, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Kotlet:
- Meat Mixture: You can experiment with the meat combination based on your preferences. A beef-pork mix is traditional and results in juicy patties, but you can use chicken or turkey for a leaner version.
- Potatoes: Be sure to squeeze out the moisture from the grated potatoes to avoid soggy kotlet. You can also use leftover mashed potatoes in the mix for extra creaminess.
- Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use oats (oatmeal), crushed crackers, or even soaked bread for the same effect.
- Seasoning: You can adjust the seasonings to taste. Try adding a bit of dried thyme, oregano, or mustard powder for more depth.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Mashed Potatoes: Serve your kotlet with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and a dollop of sour cream for a comforting meal.
- With Pickles: These patties go wonderfully with pickled vegetables, such as cucumbers or tomatoes, for a tangy contrast.
- In a Sandwich: You can also serve kotlet in a sandwich or wrap with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a light dressing or mayo.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or a tangy slaw pairs perfectly with these hearty patties.
Kotlet are a simple yet satisfying dish that combines the flavors of ground meat, potatoes, and onions into a crispy and flavorful patty. Whether served with traditional sides or enjoyed in a sandwich, these savory bites are perfect for any occasion.