Russian Chicken Patties. Recipe

Russian Chicken Patties, also known as "Kotleti," are a popular dish in Russian cuisine. They are flavorful, juicy, and easy to make. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a staple in Russian households. The history of this recipe can be traced back to the Soviet era when meat was scarce, and people had to come up with creative ways to stretch it further. Kotleti became a popular choice as they could be made using any ground meat available, including chicken, pork, or beef.

Fun Fact: Kotleti are often lovingly referred to as "Soviet McDonald's" because they were a go-to fast food option for many Russians during the Soviet era.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for Russian Chicken Patties:

Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs or ground crackers
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, soak bread crumbs or ground crackers in milk for a few minutes until softened.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, soaked bread crumbs (squeeze out any excess milk), chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

3. Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a patty. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

4. Heat a skillet with vegetable oil over medium heat.

5. Place the patties in the skillet, leaving enough space between them to flip them easily. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.

6. Once cooked, transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.

7. Serve the Russian Chicken Patties hot with a side of mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Fun Fact: Russian Chicken Patties are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Some Russians like to sandwich them between bread slices and make a Kotleta sandwich. They are also commonly served with tangy tomato sauce or mushroom gravy.

Similar traditional Russian dishes include:

1. Pelmeni: These are small dumplings filled with a savory mix of meat, such as beef, pork, or lamb. They are typically served with sour cream or melted butter.

2. Borscht: This iconic beet soup is a staple in Russian cuisine. It is made with beets, cabbage, potatoes, and often includes meat, such as beef or pork. Borscht is usually served with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill.

3. Olivier Salad: This classic Russian salad is made with boiled potatoes, carrots, peas, pickles, boiled eggs, and mayonnaise. It is a popular dish during holidays and celebrations.

4. Blini: Blini are thin, crepe-like pancakes made from a thin batter of flour, eggs, and milk. They can be filled with various sweet or savory fillings, such as smoked salmon, caviar, or sour cream.

Russian cuisine offers a wide array of delicious dishes, each with its unique flavors and cultural significance. Whether it's Russian Chicken Patties, Pelmeni, Borscht, Olivier Salad, or Blini, exploring these dishes allows you to immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Russia. So, grab your apron and enjoy the wonderful flavors of Russian cuisine!

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