Entree: Ukraine – Eastern Ukraine – Зрази ➤ Zrazy (Rolled meat cutlets traditionally filled with a savory mushroom and onion stuffing)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 25 min

Cook 35 min

Additional 5 min

Total 1 hr 5 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 2 large eggs, approx. 3.5 oz (100 g)
- 1 cup (120 g) fresh breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 medium onion, about 6 oz (170 g), finely chopped
- 8 oz (225 g) cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil, divided
- 2 tbsp (30 g) butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour for dredging
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp (6 g) chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp (6 g) chopped fresh parsley
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl combine breadcrumbs and milk; let soak until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil and 1 tbsp (15 g) butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the mushrooms and cook until liquid evaporates and mushrooms are golden, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl combine ground beef, eggs, soaked breadcrumbs (including any excess milk), chopped dill and parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; do not overwork.
5. Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Flatten each portion into an oval about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface.
6. Spoon about 2 tbsp (30 g) of the mushroom-onion filling onto the center of each oval. Fold edges over the filling and shape into an oblong patty or roulade, sealing seams. Dredge each zrazy lightly in flour.
7. Heat remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil and 1 tbsp (15 g) butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zrazy in batches and brown on all sides, about 3 minutes per side.
8. For fully cooked, tender zrazy, transfer browned patties to a baking dish, cover with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until cooked through. Alternatively, continue to cook in the skillet over medium-low heat, covered, for 10–12 minutes.
9. Rest the zrazy 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot with lemon wedges and additional fresh herbs.