Kotlet (Persian Beef and Potato Patties)
Local name: کتلت
In short: Pan-fried oval patties of ground beef, mashed potato, onion and turmeric, eaten with rice or tucked into flatbread with pickles. It takes about 1 h 25 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 35 min
- Cook
- 50 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 1 h 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 455 kcal
Kotlet is the patty many Iranians grew up with: soft in the middle, crisp on the outside and tinted yellow with turmeric. Mashed potato keeps the beef tender and stretches it to feed a crowd. Serve the patties hot with rice and a tomato salad, or let them cool and stuff them into bread with pickled cucumbers and herbs for a lunchbox sandwich that travels well.
Instructions
- Boil the whole potatoes in salted water for 20 to 25 minutes, until a knife slides in easily. Drain, peel and mash them until completely smooth, then let them cool for 15 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the beef, cooled mashed potato, onion, egg, garlic, turmeric, cumin, salt and pepper. Knead with your hands for 3 minutes, until the mixture holds together.
- Cover and chill for 30 minutes so the patties are easier to shape and stay together in the pan.
- With wet hands, shape the mixture into 12 oval patties, each about 1.5 cm (1/2 in) thick.
- Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Fry 4 patties for 4 minutes per side, until deep brown and cooked through (71°C / 160°F). Repeat with the remaining oil and patties.
- Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with rice and sliced tomatoes, or cool and tuck into flatbread with pickles and fresh herbs.
Tips
- Chill the mixture before frying, because cold patties hold together better. If the mix feels too loose, add 1 tbsp chickpea flour.
- For a lighter version, bake the patties on an oiled tray at 220°C (425°F) for 20 minutes, turning once. For sandwiches, add sliced tomato and pickled cucumber.
Questions and answers
Can I freeze kotlet?
Yes. Freeze the cooked patties on a tray, then bag them for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or a 190°C (375°F) oven.
Why do my kotlet fall apart?
Too much moisture is the usual cause. Squeeze the onion dry, let the mashed potato cool completely and chill the mixture before frying.
What is the difference between kotlet and koobideh?
Koobideh is a skewered, grilled kebab of meat and onion only. Kotlet contains potato and egg, is shaped into patties and is fried in a pan.
How long does it take to make Kotlet (Persian Beef and Potato Patties)?
About 1 h 25 min in total: 35 min of preparation and 50 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kotlet (Persian Beef and Potato Patties)?
About 455 kcal per serving, with 26 g of protein, 19 g of carbohydrates and 30 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 455 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 980 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
