Entree: Ukraine – Kyiv & Central Ukraine – Зрази ➤ Zrazy (Pan-fried meat roulades stuffed with a savory mushroom and onion filling)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 40 min

Cook 22 min

Additional 5 min

Total 1 hr 5 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (227 g) ground pork
- 1 cup (120 g) breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) milk
- 2 large eggs, approx. 100 g total
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped, about 1 cup (160 g)
- 8 oz (225 g) cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil for sautéing
- 2 tbsp (30 g) butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp (16 g) all-purpose flour for dusting
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil or lard for frying
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth or water for finishing

Instructions

1. In a small bowl soak the breadcrumbs in milk until absorbed, then mix in one beaten egg and set aside.
2. Heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat; add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms and 1 tbsp (15 g) butter to the skillet; cook until mushrooms lose moisture and are browned, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in garlic and parsley, season with 1/4 tsp (1 g) salt and 1/8 tsp (0.5 g) pepper, then remove from heat and let cool.
4. In a large bowl combine ground beef, ground pork, the breadcrumb mixture, 1/2 tsp (2 g) salt, 1/2 tsp (2 g) black pepper, and paprika if using. Mix gently until just combined—do not overwork.
5. Divide meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Flatten each portion into an oval about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Place about 1–2 tbsp (15–30 g) of the cooled mushroom filling in the center of each oval and fold edges over to enclose, shaping into oblong roulades. Dust each roulade lightly with 2 tbsp (16 g) flour.
6. Heat 3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil or lard in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Fry roulades in batches until deeply browned on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per side.
7. Reduce heat to low, add 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth to the pan, cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes to cook through (or transfer to a preheated 350°F / 175°C oven for 10 minutes).
8. Remove roulades from pan, let rest 5 minutes. Spoon pan juices over the zrazy and serve hot, garnished with extra parsley.