Kotlet
Delicious and comforting Persian meat and potato patties, seasoned with aromatic spices. A beloved everyday dish perfect for any meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Ground beef(Preferably 80/20 lean to fat ratio for best flavor and texture.)
- 500 g Potatoes(Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well.)
- 1 medium Onion(Finely grated or minced for even distribution.)
- 2 large Eggs(Room temperature eggs incorporate better.)
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(Freshly ground is recommended.)
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour(For binding the mixture.)
- for frying Vegetable oil(Or any neutral cooking oil.)
- approx. 1 cup Breadcrumbs(For coating the patties. Panko breadcrumbs can be used for extra crispiness.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the potatoes: Peel the potatoes, cut them into large chunks, and place them in a pot. Cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the hot pot for a minute to evaporate any excess moisture. Mash the potatoes until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 2
Prepare the kotlet mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, mashed potatoes, grated onion, eggs, turmeric, salt, black pepper, and all-purpose flour. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until well combined and a cohesive mixture forms. Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Shape and coat the kotlets: Place the breadcrumbs on a shallow plate or in a bowl. Take about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture and shape it into an oval or flattened disc, about 1-1.5 cm thick. Gently press each side of the patty into the breadcrumbs, ensuring it's evenly coated. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Pan-fry the kotlets: Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil (about 1-2 cm deep) in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of bread sizzles immediately. Carefully place the breaded kotlets into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4-6 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and cooked through. You should hear a consistent sizzle. Adjust heat if they brown too quickly. Remove the cooked kotlets with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or on paper towels to drain excess oil.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an even smoother potato texture, pass the boiled potatoes through a potato ricer before mashing.
- ✓Ensure the onion is finely grated or minced to avoid large chunks in the kotlet mixture.
- ✓If the mixture feels too wet to handle, add a tablespoon or two more of breadcrumbs or flour.
- ✓Kotlets are excellent served hot as a main dish, or cooled and used in sandwiches with fresh herbs and tomatoes.
- ✓Leftover kotlets can be reheated in a skillet or oven for best results.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro to the meat mixture for added freshness.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Substitute ground chicken or turkey for ground beef, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Incorporate finely chopped sautéed mushrooms into the mixture.