A Delightful Dish Perfect for all Occasions
As a busy mom always on the look-out for quick and delicious recipes, I discovered Persian kotlet, a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Imagine crispy, juicy meat patties seasoned with the warm flavors of cinnamon and turmeric, served with love on a plate of Persian rice or nestled inside French baguettes. It’s a comfort food dream come true, ideal for a family picnic or a cosy tea time at home.
Kotlet-Making Adventure
My most unforgettable kotlet-making adventure happened during my second trip to Iran. I joined my mother-in-law and her sisters in their marathon. Their kitchen turned into a bustling assembly line, filled with laughter, jokes, and the irresistible aroma of spices.
Production Marathon
The fun started in the evening and continued well past midnight. The sisters expertly mixed the ingredients in a large bowl, then shaped each patty made with ground meat and fried them over medium low heat in vegetable oil. The result? A delightful crunch and perfectly melded spices. They grated onions and potatoes, creating kotlets with a unique texture. This wasn’t just about cooking; it was about love, pride, and the joy of creating something special for the family.
Comforting Embrace
To the sisters, making kotlets was more than a chore; it was a way to nourish their loved ones. While the boys were busy getting an impressive stash of sangak (Persian flatbread) from the bakery, the kitchen buzzed with activity. Watching the experts create perfectly shaped patties, all uniform in size, was a true delight. The rich aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, cumin, turmeric, and ground beef became a comforting symbol of home.
Picnic Feast
Fast forward to a picturesque picnic in Isfahan en route to Shiraz. There, kotlets, prepared with care and shared with joy, graced our sofreh (Persian dining spread). The memory of devouring these golden delights, surrounded by family and nature’s beauty, remains one of my most cherished experiences.
Aroma of Spices
Reflecting on that hot kitchen, full of laughter and the aroma of spices, I now appreciate the simplicity of cooking at home. Complaining about preparing a few meals seems trivial compared to crafting 15 perfect kotlets for a hungry family.
So, next time you’re in the kitchen, remember kotlet. It’s not just about meat and spices; it’s a celebration of family and the simple joys of creating something special for your loved ones.
Ingredients:
To make these Persian kotlets, you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: I usually use lean minced beef, but you can also use lamb.
- Potatoes: Use them raw, grated.
- Onions: Finely grated.
- Spices: Turmeric, salt, and pepper. Optional: cayenne, paprika, or cinnamon.
- Flour: Just a few tablespoons to bind the mixture.
- Egg: Acts as a binding agent.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying.
How to Make Persian Kotlet: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely grated onion, grated potatoes, spices, one egg, and flour.
- Prepare the Pan: Pour vegetable oil into the pan to cover the bottom. Heat it over medium low heat.
- Shape the Patties: Wet your hands with water, then take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into patties. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Cook: Place the patties in the oil and fry for about 10 minutes on each side, or until the outside is brown and crispy and the inside is fully cooked.
Serving Suggestions for Persian Kotlet
Traditionally, kotlet is served with flatbreads like sangak, pickles, tomatoes, and crispy French fries. You can easily turn it into a wrap for a picnic meal or serve it with Persian rice.
How to Share Your Experience or Feedback About the Recipe
We’d love to hear how your kotlet turned out! Here’s how you can share:
- Snap a Photo: Capture your finished dish in all its glory.
- Share on Instagram: Post your photo on Instagram and tag @ofsaffronandcyrus to showcase your creation.
- Add a Comment: Share your cooking process, any tweaks you made, and how it tasted.
- Leave a Comment: Scroll down to the comment section of the recipe page and drop a note about your experience.
- Review: Rate the recipe and give us feedback.
- Email Us: For more in-depth feedback, send us an email at saffronandcyrus@gmail.com.
By sharing your photos and insights, you help us improve and inspire others in our cooking community. Happy cooking! If you enjoyed this, perhaps try your hand at another Persian recipe. Alternatively, if you’re looking to set up a food blog of your own, here’s a starter for 10.
Rating: 4.8/5
- Taste: 4.9/5
- Ease of Preparation: 4.7/5
- Overall Satisfaction: 4.8/5
- Presentation: 4.7/5
Our readers love this recipe, praising its delicious taste and ease of preparation. With high ratings for both flavour and overall satisfaction, this dish is a hit among those who’ve tried it. Don’t miss out on bringing this flavourful Persian classic into your kitchen!
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