Minced Meat Cutlets with a “Fur Coat” is a classic, comforting dish that brings together juicy, flavorful cutlets topped with a rich and creamy vegetable and cheese layer. The “fur coat” refers to the delicious topping of tomatoes, boiled eggs, and grated cheese, which adds a layer of both flavor and texture to the meat base. This dish is perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, offering a satisfying balance of protein and vegetables.

The combination of tender meat cutlets with the rich topping makes this meal both nutritious and indulgent. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes. The recipe is straightforward, with easy-to-find ingredients, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced home cooks. Baked in the oven, the dish is healthier than fried alternatives while still retaining all the deliciousness of classic comfort food.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cutlets:

• Minced Meat (any type): 800 g
• Onion: 1 medium-sized, finely chopped
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Seasoning: 1 tsp Hops-Suneli or any preferred seasoning blend

For the “Fur Coat”:

• Tomatoes: 2 medium, sliced
• Boiled Chicken Eggs: 3, hard-boiled and chopped
• Cheese: 130 g, grated (use a mild or sharp cheese of your choice)
• Dill: 1 sprig, finely chopped
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced
• Sour Cream: 2 tablespoons

Baking Instructions:

• Oven Temperature: Preheat to 180°C (350°F)
• Baking Time: 30-35 minutes at 180°C in top-bottom heating mode.
• Final Step: Increase temperature to 200°C (392°F) for 5 minutes on convection mode to get a crispy finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cutlets

1. Mix the Meat: In a large bowl, combine 800 g of minced meat with one finely chopped onion. Add salt, pepper, and 1 tsp of Hops-Suneli seasoning (or your preferred seasoning).
2. Form the Cutlets: Shape the meat mixture into small cutlets or patties, about the size of your palm. Flatten slightly to ensure even cooking.
3. Place on Baking Tray: Arrange the cutlets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with oil.

Step 2: Prepare the “Fur Coat” Topping

4. Slice the Tomatoes: Slice 2 medium-sized tomatoes into thin, even rounds.
5. Boil and Chop the Eggs: Hard-boil 3 eggs. Once cooked, peel and chop them into small cubes.
6. Grate the Cheese: Grate 130 g of cheese and set aside.
7. Mix the Topping: In a bowl, combine the chopped eggs, grated cheese, minced garlic, finely chopped dill, and 2 tablespoons of sour cream. Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

8. Layer the Tomatoes: Place a slice of tomato on top of each cutlet.
9. Add the Egg-Cheese Mixture: Spoon a generous amount of the egg and cheese mixture onto each cutlet, covering the tomatoes.

Step 4: Bake the Cutlets

10. Bake in the Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cutlets with the “fur coat” for 30-35 minutes using top-bottom heating mode.
11. Finish with Convection: In the last 5 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 200°C (392°F) and switch to convection mode. This will give the cheese topping a golden, crispy finish.

Step 5: Serve

12. Garnish: Garnish the dish with extra chopped dill for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve hot, paired with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.

Cooking Tips

• Meat Selection: You can use any type of minced meat for this recipe, such as beef, pork, chicken, or a combination of these. A mix of beef and pork will give the cutlets extra juiciness.
• Seasoning Variations: If you don’t have Hops-Suneli, feel free to use other seasonings like Italian herbs, paprika, or cumin to flavor the meat.
• Eggs for the “Fur Coat”: Make sure the eggs are hard-boiled and cooled before chopping, as this will make them easier to handle and mix.
• Convection Mode: If your oven doesn’t have a convection setting, you can simply broil the dish for the last 5 minutes to achieve a crispy top layer.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the cutlets before baking. Once assembled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking as instructed.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the cutlets in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also use a microwave for quicker reheating.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Serving size: 1 cutlet with “fur coat” (makes 8 servings)

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Protein: 22 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 180 mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

 

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese in place of the one listed. Mozzarella, gouda, or even feta would work well in this recipe.

Q: What can I serve with these cutlets?
A: These cutlets pair well with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh garden salad.

Q: How do I prevent the cutlets from drying out?
A: Make sure to not overbake the cutlets. Keeping an eye on the cooking time and ensuring the oven temperature doesn’t get too high will help keep the meat moist.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cutlets and “fur coat” layers ahead of time, then refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to bake within 24 hours for the best results.

 

Conclusion

Minced Meat Cutlets with a “Fur Coat” is a delicious and comforting dish that combines juicy, well-seasoned cutlets with a rich and creamy topping of tomatoes, eggs, and cheese. The “fur coat” adds both flavor and texture, elevating the dish from a simple cutlet to a satisfying, hearty meal that the whole family will love.

With its ease of preparation and versatility, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You can adapt the recipe to your tastes by experimenting with different types of meat, cheeses, and seasonings. Best of all, the dish can be made ahead and stored, making it convenient for busy schedules. Give this recipe a try for a delightful meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!