Ingredients

For the Patties:

• 3 eggs
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• Sweet paprika (to taste)
• 1 kg cabbage (shredded finely)
• 1 chicken breast fillet (minced or finely chopped)
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 carrot (grated)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Italian herb mix (1-2 teaspoons)

For the Yogurt-Cucumber Sauce:

• 250 g Greek yogurt
• Dill (chopped, 1-2 tablespoons)
• 1 clove garlic (minced or grated)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 1 cucumber (grated on a fine grater, excess water squeezed out)

Steps to Make Cabbage and Chicken Patties with Yogurt-Cucumber Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

1. Shred the Cabbage: Finely shred the cabbage using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. Transfer it to a large bowl and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to soften, then squeeze out excess moisture.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

1. Cook the Aromatics: Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, grated carrot, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded cabbage, chicken breast, sautéed vegetables, eggs, flour, and Italian herbs. Season with salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika to taste. Stir until fully combined.

Step 3: Shape and Cook the Patties

1. Form the Patties: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, flat patties, about the size of your palm.
2. Fry the Patties: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Yogurt-Cucumber Sauce

1. Grate the Cucumber: Using a fine grater, grate the cucumber. Squeeze out any excess liquid and transfer to a bowl.
2. Mix the Sauce: Combine the cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Step 5: Serve

1. Assemble the Dish: Serve the warm cabbage and chicken patties with a generous dollop of yogurt-cucumber sauce. Garnish with fresh dill for an added touch of flavor.

Prep Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 3g

Servings

This recipe serves 4 people.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

The Cabbage and Chicken Patties with Yogurt-Cucumber Sauce is a recipe that transcends time and trends for several reasons. Its base ingredients—cabbage, chicken, and yogurt—are staples in cuisines around the world, cherished for their nutritional value and versatility.

Cabbage, rich in vitamins and fiber, serves as a budget-friendly ingredient that can elevate any dish. Chicken, a lean protein, ensures the patties are filling and satisfying without being heavy. The yogurt-cucumber sauce brings Mediterranean flavors to the table, reminiscent of classic tzatziki, which has been beloved for centuries.

This recipe also reflects a focus on balance. The patties are hearty yet light, while the sauce provides a cooling element that keeps the dish from feeling overly rich. It’s a timeless combination that works for casual weeknight dinners or more formal occasions.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
   • Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative. It has a similar texture and absorbs the flavors of the spices and herbs just as well.
2. What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
   • Regular plain yogurt can be used, but it may be slightly thinner. To achieve a thicker consistency, strain the yogurt through a cheesecloth for 30 minutes before using.
3. Can these patties be baked instead of fried?
   • Absolutely! Arrange the patties on a greased baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
4. How long does the yogurt-cucumber sauce last?
   • The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   • Yes, you can replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or cooked lentils. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit the vegetarian base.

Tips for Making the Perfect Patties

• Ensure the Cabbage is Dry: Removing excess water from the cabbage is crucial for forming patties that hold together during cooking.
• Season Generously: Since cabbage and chicken have mild flavors, be generous with your seasoning to enhance the dish.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the patties in batches to ensure they cook evenly and develop a golden crust.
• Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the yogurt sauce for an extra kick.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain their crispness.
• Freezing: The patties can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven or a skillet.

Conclusion

The Cabbage and Chicken Patties with Yogurt-Cucumber Sauce is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of simplicity and balance. Every bite captures the warmth of the chicken patties, the sweetness of cabbage, and the refreshing tang of the yogurt-cucumber sauce. This dish is proof that wholesome ingredients, when treated with care, can come together to create something extraordinary.

Its versatility means it can be customized to fit dietary preferences or available ingredients, making it a recipe you’ll want to return to time and time again. Whether served as a main dish, a snack, or a party appetizer, these patties are guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Plus, they’re an excellent way to sneak in more vegetables while still delivering bold, satisfying flavors.

In a world where fast food and processed meals often take center stage, this dish is a reminder of the joys of home-cooked food that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Try it for yourself and discover why this timeless recipe deserves a place in your culinary repertoire!