If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful classic that feels like a warm hug from the inside, you have to try this Traditional Kotleti Recipe (Meatballs) Recipe. These delicious Russian-inspired meatballs bring together perfectly seasoned pork and beef with onions, garlic, and a touch of milk-soaked bread to keep each bite tender and juicy. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or impressing friends at a cozy gathering, these kotleti offer a beautiful balance of texture, flavor, and heartiness that makes them an instant favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but essential to achieving the authentic taste and texture that make this Traditional Kotleti Recipe (Meatballs) Recipe truly special. Each component plays a key role — from the juicy ground meats to the fragrant garlic powder, and even the milk-soaked bread that keeps everything tender.
- 1 pound ground pork: Adds rich flavor and moisture for juicy meatballs.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a hearty, robust taste and balances the pork’s sweetness.
- 1 small onion (grated, about 1 cup): Freshly grated onions melt into the mix, lending sweetness and moisture.
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic powder: Delivers savory warmth without overpowering the meat.
- 1 ½ tablespoons onion powder: Amplifies the onion flavor for a deeper taste.
- 1 ½ tablespoons kosher salt (or more to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 2 slices white bread (crust removed): Soaked in milk to add softness and bind the meatballs beautifully.
- ½ cup whole milk: Softens the bread and enriches the mixture.
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (for cooking): Provides a high smoke point and neutral flavor for frying the kotleti.
- 2 tablespoons water: Keeps the mixture moist and helps achieve the perfect consistency.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, luscious crust during cooking.
How to Make Traditional Kotleti Recipe (Meatballs) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Start by placing the two slices of white bread in a bowl with the whole milk and let them soak until soft. Meanwhile, grate the small onion finely for maximum moisture and flavor release. Once the bread is soft, crumble it into the bowl with the ground pork and beef. Add the grated onion, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons of water. Then mix thoroughly but gently — you want everything combined evenly without compacting it too much, preserving the tender texture of these kotleti.
Step 2: Form the Kotleti
With clean hands, shape the meat mixture into oval-shaped patties around the size of your palm. Be gentle but firm, so the kotleti hold together well during cooking but remain light and juicy. This shape is traditional and allows for even cooking while giving you that lovely rustic appearance.
Step 3: Heat the Pan and Cook
In a large skillet, heat the avocado oil and 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. The butter will help create a golden crust while the oil keeps the pan heated evenly. Once hot, add the kotleti in a single layer without crowding them. Cook for about 6–7 minutes on each side, turning carefully to brown all sides evenly and ensure the meat is cooked through but still juicy inside.
How to Serve Traditional Kotleti Recipe (Meatballs) Recipe
Garnishes
Traditionally, fresh, finely chopped herbs like dill or parsley add a pop of color and freshness when sprinkled over the hot kotleti right before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a tangy mustard sauce can elevate the flavors even more, providing a creamy or sharp contrast to the savory meatballs.
Side Dishes
The charm of this Traditional Kotleti Recipe (Meatballs) Recipe is that it pairs beautifully with comforting sides like buttery mashed potatoes, creamy buckwheat kasha, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with a little vinegar and dill. These sides help balance the richness and add freshness or earthiness, rounding out a well-loved meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, serve these kotleti atop warm rye bread with pickled vegetables on the side, creating a casual open-faced sandwich. Alternatively, layer them with pasta and a rich tomato sauce for a fusion take that’s sure to surprise and delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover kotleti keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. Reheat gently to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked kotleti by placing them on a lined tray, freezing until firm, then transferring to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Cooked kotleti can also be frozen but might lose a bit of their fresh texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat kotleti in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth, covering loosely to steam and stay moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can dry them out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of pork and beef?
Absolutely! While pork and beef provide a traditional flavor and texture, you can experiment with ground chicken, turkey, or lamb. Just keep in mind that the fat content affects juiciness, so you might want to add a bit of oil or fat if using lean meats.
Is it necessary to use soaked bread in the recipe?
Using soaked bread is crucial for keeping the kotleti tender and juicy. It acts as a binder and adds moisture, preventing the meatballs from becoming too dense or dry.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake kotleti at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, frying gives them that signature golden crust and flavor that baking can’t totally replicate.
What should I serve with traditional Russian kotleti?
Classic accompaniments include mashed potatoes, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and sour cream. These sides balance the meatballs with creamy, tangy, and fresh elements.
Are kotleti spicy?
Traditional kotleti are savory and aromatic but not spicy. If you want a kick, you can add a pinch of black pepper or paprika, but the classic recipe focuses more on aromatic herbs and garlic.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about making and sharing this Traditional Kotleti Recipe (Meatballs) Recipe. It brings together simple ingredients with warm, homey flavors that everyone will enjoy. Give it a try for your next meal and watch how these juicy, flavorful meatballs become a new favorite in your kitchen. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
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Traditional Kotleti Recipe (Meatballs) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 6.5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Russian
Description
Traditional Kotleti are delicious Russian-style meatballs made with a mixture of ground pork and beef, seasoned with garlic and onion powders, and soaked bread for a tender texture. Pan-fried to golden perfection in avocado oil and butter, these meatballs are perfect served with mashed potatoes or a simple salad for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, grated (about 1 cup)
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons onion powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons kosher salt (or more to taste)
- 2 slices white bread, crust removed
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons water
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Mix soaked bread and milk: Start by soaking the 2 slices of white bread (with crusts removed) in ½ cup of whole milk for about 5 minutes until softened. This will help keep the kotleti moist and tender.
- Combine meat and spices: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground pork and 1 pound of ground beef. Add the grated onion, 1 ½ tablespoons of garlic powder, 1 ½ tablespoons of onion powder, and 1 ½ tablespoons of kosher salt. Squeeze excess milk from the soaked bread gently and crumble it into the meat mixture along with 2 tablespoons of water. Mix everything thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Shape the kotleti: Using your hands, shape the mixture into oval-shaped patties (kotleti), approximately the size of your palm. This recipe yields about 6 to 6.5 servings.
- Heat the pan and fry: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the kotleti patties and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through.
- Add butter for flavor: In the final few minutes of cooking, add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet and baste the kotleti with the melted butter for extra richness and flavor.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the kotleti hot with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Ensure the meat mixture is well combined but avoid overmixing to keep the kotleti tender.
- If you prefer, you can substitute the pork or beef with other ground meats like veal or turkey.
- Adjust the salt to taste depending on the saltiness of your broth or sides if served with soup.
- For extra moisture, you may add a raw egg to the meat mixture, though the bread and milk usually suffice.
- Make sure the pan is hot before adding the meatballs to get a nice crust without sticking.
