Entree: Russia – Kuban – Котлеты ➤ Kotlety (Pan-fried seasoned ground meat patties made with soaked bread and onions)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 15 min

Total 35 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 8 oz (225 g) ground pork
- 2 slices (approx. 2 oz / 56 g) stale white bread, torn
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (approx. 4 oz / 115 g)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (50 g) plain breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp (28 g) butter
- 2 tbsp (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying as needed

Instructions

1. Tear the stale bread into pieces and soak in the milk for 5–10 minutes until softened; squeeze out excess milk and chop or mash the bread into a paste.
2. In a skillet, sauté the finely chopped onion in 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil with a pinch of salt over medium heat until translucent, about 5–6 minutes; stir in minced garlic for the last 30 seconds and remove from heat to cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl combine ground beef and ground pork with the soaked bread, cooled onion–garlic mixture, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper; mix gently until evenly combined but not overworked.
4. Shape the mixture into 8 oval patties (about 2–2.5 in / 5–6 cm wide) and coat each lightly with the breadcrumbs.
5. Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil and 2 tbsp (28 g) butter in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering; add patties in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and fry 4–5 minutes per side until deep golden and an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached.
6. Transfer cooked kotlety to a plate lined with paper towels to drain briefly; keep warm and repeat with remaining patties.
7. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, pickles, or a simple green vegetable and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.