These Potato Patties with Minced Meat and Mushroom Sauce are a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a cozy dinner. The crispy potato patties, combined with the savory minced meat and creamy mushroom sauce, create a symphony of flavors and textures. This recipe is a classic comfort food that’s sure to please the whole family.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 kg (2 lb 3 oz) potatoes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 350g (12 oz) minced meat (beef, pork, or a mixture)
- 10-12 mushrooms, sliced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 large egg
- 2-4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus extra for coating
- 200 ml (about 7 oz) 10-15% cream (light cream or half-and-half)
- 50 ml (about 2 oz) water
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Cook them in boiling salted water until tender. Drain the potatoes well and mash them until smooth. Let the mashed potatoes cool completely.
- Cook the Minced Meat: In a large skillet, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and fry for about 2 minutes, until softened. Add the minced meat to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the minced meat over medium-low heat for 7-10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is cooked through and browned. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Mushroom Sauce: In the same skillet (you may need to add a little more oil), fry the sliced mushrooms for about 2 minutes, until slightly softened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually add the cream and water, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the sauce over low heat for about 10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
- Make the Potato Patties: In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes with the egg and 2-4 tablespoons of flour (start with 2 and add more if the mixture is too wet). Mix well. The mixture should be firm enough to shape into patties.
- Shape and Coat the Patties: Shape the potato mixture into patties. Coat each patty in flour.
- Fry the Patties: Heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the potato patties until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Serve: Serve the potato patties hot, topped with the minced meat and mushroom sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate, per serving):
Calories: 400-500 Protein: 20-25g Fat: 20-30g Carbohydrates: 40-50g Fiber: 4-5g
The Origins and Popularity of Potato Patties with Meat Sauce:
Potato patties are a staple in many cuisines, often reflecting resourceful use of readily available ingredients. Combining them with a meat sauce is a common way to create a more substantial and flavorful meal. While the exact origins of this specific combination are difficult to pinpoint, similar dishes exist in various cultures, showcasing the versatility of potatoes and the appeal of savory sauces. The popularity of this dish likely stems from its comforting nature, its satisfying texture, and its ability to feed a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Hearty, flavorful, and a classic comfort food.
This recipe is a winner because it delivers a truly comforting and satisfying meal. The crispy potato patties, the savory minced meat, and the creamy mushroom sauce create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Health Benefits:
A source of carbohydrates, protein, and some vegetables.
Potatoes provide carbohydrates for energy, while minced meat is a good source of protein. Mushrooms offer some vitamins and minerals. However, this dish is relatively high in fat due to the frying and the cream sauce, so moderation is key.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy this dish on its own or with a side.
These potato patties with minced meat and mushroom sauce are a complete meal on their own. You can also serve them with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal.
Tips:
Helpful hints for success.
- Make sure the mashed potatoes are completely cooled before mixing them with the egg and flour. This will prevent the patties from being too soft.
- Don’t overwork the potato mixture when shaping the patties.
- Fry the patties over medium heat to prevent them from burning on the outside before they are cooked through.
Variations to Try:
Explore different flavor combinations.
- Spicy Potato Patties: Add some chopped jalapeno or red pepper flakes to the potato mixture.
- Herb-Infused Patties: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill to the potato mixture.
- Different Sauce: Instead of a mushroom sauce, you could use a tomato-based sauce or a creamy gravy.
- Cheese Please: Add some grated cheese to the potato mixture or sprinkle it on top of the patties before serving.
Conclusion:
A comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion.
These potato patties with minced meat and mushroom sauce are a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Their hearty nature and flavorful combination make them a true culinary classic.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use different potatoes? Yes, but starchy potatoes are generally preferred for mashing.
- Can I use different types of meat? Yes, you can use beef, pork, lamb, or even ground chicken or turkey.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the mashed potatoes, the meat sauce, and the mushroom sauce ahead of time. Shape the patties and fry them just before serving.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftover patties and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze this dish? Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the potatoes and the sauce.
- How do I reheat the patties and sauce? Reheat the patties in the oven or in a skillet. Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop.
- How can I make this dish healthier? Use less oil for frying and use low-fat cream or milk in the sauce. You could also bake the patties instead of frying them.
- Can I add other vegetables to the sauce? Yes, you can add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas to the sauce.
- How do I prevent the patties from sticking to the pan? Make sure the oil is hot enough and use a non-stick pan if possible.
- How do I know when the patties are cooked through? The patties should be golden brown on both sides and hot in the center.