Eastern European Kotlety Recipes

KOTLETY (RUSSIAN/UKRAINIAN MEAT PATTIES)

Steps:

• Add beef and pork to a large mixing bowl.
• Place bread in small bowl and pour milk or water on top and let bread soak for 2-3 minutes. After time is up, mash up bread and milk with fingers until it's all wet and smashed up into a thick paste.
• Mix garlic, paprika, salt and pepper together in a small ramekin.
• Add bread mixture, grated onion, eggs and spices large mixing bowl with meat.
• Mix meat mixture well (fingers work best) until fully combined.
• Preheat your cooking device: cast iron skillet or griddle to Medium/ Medium low and once warm add enough oil just to coat bottom. (If using panini press preheat it now) I do like to use a cast iron skillet sometimes to make these as well, but you need to watch the heat on the cast iron more closely to not burn the kotlety.
• Form patties with meat mixture, I use a 1/4 cup measuring cup and make them about 1" thick (round or oval, your preference)

KOTLET SCHABOWY (POLISH BREADED PORK CHOP)

Steps:

• Place pork chops between 2 sheets of heavy plastic on a solid, level surface. Firmly pound with the smooth side of a meat mallet, turning occasionally, until very thin. Season with salt and pepper.
• Pour flour onto a large plate. Whisk egg in a wide, shallow bowl. Place breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl.
• Dredge chops with flour. Dip in whisked egg. Coat with bread crumbs on both sides. Shake off excess coating.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add breaded chops; cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side.