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Hakklihakotlet (Meat Patties)

Estonian meat patties are a rich, savory dish eaten as an appetizer or as a protein-rich snack. This authentic recipe calls for the use of three types of ground meats—beef, veal, and pork—giving hakklihakotlet patties a unique taste and juicy texture. Make the patties nice and thick for the most tenderness. Recipe Servings: Serves 4 to 5
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb (250 g) lean ground beef
  • 1/2 lb (250 g) lean ground veal
  • 1/2 lb (250 g) lean ground pork
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup (60 g) fresh breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp (5 g) salt
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) cold water
  • 4 Tbsp (60 ml) vegetable oil

Directions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the meat, eggs, salt, pepper, onion, and water. Mix the ingredients by hand for 5 to 10 minutes, until the mixture has become smooth and fluffy.
  2. With hands moistened in cold water, shape the mixture into 8 thick, round patties. Coat both sides of each fully with the bread crumbs.
  3. In a frying pan or skillet, heat the oil and fry the patties for about 5 to 10 minutes on each side. The patties should brown but not burnt. When they are finished, there will be no pinkness left in the patties' centers. Remove the patties and serve hot.

Notes

Braised red cabbage is an excellent complement to these patties.