The famous Poltava meatballs have long been a hallmark of Russian cuisine. Many hostesses cook them often and with great pleasure. Then served with mashed potatoes, pea porridge or other side dish beloved by the whole family. To make delicious cutlets a wonderful decoration for a dining or festive table, just follow the tips from this article. But first, find out the history of their appearance, it is very curious.
History of occurrence
According to various legends, the legendary Poltava meatballs were invented either by a certain New York cook who yearned much for his homeland, or a Russian chef preparing dishes for the palace of Catherine the Great herself (as an option for visitors to the Mikhailovsky Merchants Club), or in Ukraine.
Rumor has it that they once ate the hetman Skoropadsky himself, who had arrived to have dinner at the Continental hotel restaurant. At that time they were called "Kiev cutlets de volya". By the way, perhaps the confusion arose precisely because of the name. In France at that time, delicious de-volley cutlets were also prepared, created from chicken meat and served with a special sauce. But it is clear that according to several other recipes.
In any case, Poltava meatballs today are considered a national dish of Ukrainian cuisine. You can’t call them dietary, but they are very tasty. If you do not believe me, you can try to cook them at home yourself. We are sure that you will like it. And what a delight the children will come!
Essential Products
The cooking technology of Poltava cutlets is not much different from the creation of any other similar meat dishes. To create them you need to take:
- beef - 0.6 kg;
- lard - 60 grams (more can be);
- fresh garlic - 3 small cloves;
- bulb onion - 0.5 pcs.;
- boiled chilled water - 60 ml;
- breadcrumbs - as needed;
- salt and ground black pepper - to taste;
- other spices are also to taste.
It is worth noting that the products must be fresh and clean. It is highly desirable that they are already collected in one place. So it will be easier for you to cook delicious meatballs. In addition, you do not have to run around the kitchen in search of the right ingredient.
Recipe Poltava cutlets
To make cutlets, you need to buy a good piece of beef at the market or in the store. Try to take such meat that is red in color without various impregnations, soft-white dense fatty layers and a pleasant smell. On its surface there may be a slight airing, but not spots or crusts at all. Pay attention to it! Also see that the beef is sufficiently elastic and dry. Avoid acquiring one that lies in a pool of blood.
After buying the meat, it should be brought home, washed well under running water, cleaned of veins and stones, if any. Next, take a meat grinder and mince the beef through it. You can double it so that the stuffing is tender. Immediately chopped peeled onion and garlic cloves. It is not necessary to twist pork fat; it is better to cut into small cubes to create Poltava meatballs. This will be more convenient to do when it is slightly frozen.
Now you need to carefully mix together all the ingredients and add water and spices in a large cup. At the same time, the mince must be carefully beaten off. To make it truly airy, you should first lift it, and then throw it back from a height into a cup or, if it is more convenient, on a countertop, there is no difference. After this procedure, you just have to form the patties in the usual way and fry them in a pan with very hot oil.
Reviews of poltava cutlets
Judging by the reviews, poltava cutlets are truly juicy and fragrant. They are able to please with your unsurpassed taste of your home. Preparing is very simple and fast enough. They go well with various side dishes, including boiled potatoes, buckwheat, various soups. Also, people say that these cutlets can be eaten just like that, washed down with your favorite drink: sweet tea, compote or coffee. They recommend this dish to all their friends and acquaintances. So, if you like Ukrainian cuisine or want to diversify your diet, be sure to cook these cutlets. You will like them. Enjoy your meal!