These savory meat and mushroom potato patties are a hearty and flavorful dish that combines mashed potatoes with a delicious filling of minced meat and mushrooms. With a hint of nutmeg and the perfect seasoning, these patties are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They are perfect for a family dinner, a snack, or a party appetizer. The combination of potatoes, meat, and mushrooms creates a satisfying and well-rounded meal that’s both comforting and delicious.
Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2 lb 3 oz) mashed potatoes
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 350g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 10-12 mushrooms, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 1 egg
- 2-4 tablespoons flour (for binding)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Directions
-
Prepare the filling: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
-
Cook the minced meat: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, and cook the minced meat over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Once cooked, combine the meat with the mushroom and onion mixture. Let the filling cool completely.
-
Prepare the potato mixture: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well. If the mixture is too soft, add 2-4 tablespoons of flour to help bind it together. Stir until the mixture holds together without being too sticky.
-
Form the patties: Take a portion of the mashed potato mixture and flatten it into a small round disc. Add a spoonful of the meat and mushroom filling in the center, then carefully fold the edges of the potato around the filling, sealing it in. Shape the patty into a round or oval shape, ensuring the filling is well enclosed by the potato.
-
Fry the patties: Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place the patties into the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Be careful when flipping the patties to avoid the filling spilling out.
-
Drain excess oil: Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
-
Serve and enjoy: Serve the meat and mushroom potato patties warm, with a side of sour cream, ketchup, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. These patties also pair well with roasted vegetables or steamed greens.
Nutritional Facts (Per serving – 2 patties)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Iron: 2mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Potato patties, often referred to as “croquettes” or “dumplings” in various cultures, are a popular comfort food in many countries. This dish, combining mashed potatoes with savory fillings such as meat and mushrooms, has its roots in Eastern European and Slavic cooking, where mashed potatoes were often used as a base for various dishes due to their affordability and versatility.
In countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Poland, potato-based patties are a common part of the cuisine, often filled with minced meat, mushrooms, or cabbage. These ingredients were traditionally used to make hearty, filling meals that could sustain families during long winters. The addition of mushrooms to the filling adds earthiness and richness, elevating the simple potato dish into something more satisfying and flavorful.
This type of dish has gained popularity outside of Eastern Europe and is often made in households worldwide as a family-friendly meal. The combination of potatoes and meat, along with the crispy exterior, makes these patties a favorite in many homes, especially when paired with a dipping sauce or a side salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These meat and mushroom potato patties are a comforting and satisfying meal that combines crispy golden potato with a flavorful filling of minced meat and mushrooms. The combination of the soft, creamy potatoes and the savory, juicy filling creates a delicious balance of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether served as a main course or a snack, these patties are incredibly versatile and easy to prepare, making them a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation.
Health Benefits of This Recipe
While these patties are indulgent, they provide several health benefits. Potatoes are a good source of vitamins like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, which are important for overall health, particularly heart health and digestion. Mushrooms, rich in antioxidants, help support the immune system, while the minced meat provides a good source of protein to help build and repair muscles. The recipe can be made healthier by using lean meats, such as chicken or turkey, and using less oil for frying. Overall, this dish is balanced and offers a variety of essential nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
- With a fresh salad: Serve the patties with a light side salad of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a balanced meal.
- With a dipping sauce: Try pairing these patties with a tangy dipping sauce such as sour cream, ketchup, or mustard.
- For a hearty meal: Serve the patties alongside roasted vegetables, mashed peas, or steamed broccoli for a filling, well-rounded dinner.
- For a snack: These patties also make a great finger food or snack, perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Tips
- Squeeze excess moisture from mushrooms: When cooking the mushrooms, make sure to cook them down properly and squeeze out any moisture before adding them to the filling mixture. This will prevent the patties from becoming soggy.
- Use lean meat: For a lighter version of this recipe, you can use lean minced meat like turkey or chicken instead of beef or pork.
- Fry in batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the patties. Fry them in batches to ensure they cook evenly and become golden and crispy on both sides.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian version: For a vegetarian take, substitute the minced meat with cooked lentils or chickpeas, and add additional vegetables such as spinach or zucchini to the filling.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Cheese stuffed: Add some cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar) to the filling or as a topping for an extra cheesy delight.
Conclusion
These meat and mushroom potato patties are a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal. With a crispy, golden exterior and a savory, juicy filling, they offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner, a snack, or a party appetizer, these patties will be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and full of flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these patties ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time, refrigerate them, and fry them when ready to serve. You can also freeze them and fry them from frozen when needed.
2. Can I use different meat for the filling? Absolutely! You can use any type of minced meat you prefer, such as beef, pork, chicken, or turkey, depending on your taste.
3. Can I bake these patties instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake the patties in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for an evenly golden crust.