A crispy and flavorful Persian-style cutlet made with ground meat, potatoes, and warm spices - perfect for sandwiches or as a main dish.
Kotlet is a beloved Persian dish, often enjoyed in homemade meals, picnics, and lunchboxes. It’s believed to have been influenced by European cutlets, brought to Iran during the Qajar era. Unlike Western breaded cutlets, Persian Kotlet combines ground meat (beef or lamb), mashed potatoes, eggs, and spices, then is pan-fried until golden and crispy. This dish is commonly served with lavash or sangak bread, pickles (torshi), and fresh herbs (sabzi khordan). Due to its crispy exterior and flavorful interior, Kotlet remains a staple in Iranian cuisine.
Ingredients
400g ground beef
3 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
1 medium onion, grated and excess water squeezed out
3 eggs
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crispiness)
1 tsp turmeric
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp cumin (optional, for warmth)
½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for depth)
3 tbsp vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
Prepare the Potato & Meat Mixture:
In a bowl, combine ground beef or lamb, mashed potatoes, and grated onion. Add the egg, turmeric, salt, black pepper, cumin, and cinnamon. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. If the mixture feels too soft, add breadcrumbs to help firm it up.
Shape the Kotlets:
Take a handful of the mixture and shape it into oval or round patties, about 1 cm (½ inch) thick. Place them on a tray and let them rest for 5 minutes to hold their shape.
Fry the Kotlets:
Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the patties in the pan and fry for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Serve & Enjoy:
Serve hot with lavash or sangak bread, fresh herbs, tomatoes, and pickles (torshi). Kotlet can also be enjoyed as a sandwich with ketchup, yogurt, or mustard.
Recipe Note
Tips & Variations
For extra crispiness, coat the patties in breadcrumbs before frying.
For a healthier option, bake in a 200°C (400°F) oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with lentils or mushrooms.
For a spicier version, add ½ tsp red pepper flakes to the mixture.
