Discover how to make delicious Pârjoale, Romanian fried meat patties packed with minced meat, finely chopped onions, rice, and a blend of aromatic spices. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating crispy and flavorful patties perfect for any meal. Learn the steps and tips to achieve the perfect texture and taste in every bite.

Ingredients:

- 500g minced beef or pork (or a mix of both)

- 1 cup cooked rice

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 egg

- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)

- Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions:

Prepare the Mixture:

  - In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, and egg. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

Add Spices:

  - Stir in the chopped parsley, ground cumin, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix again to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Shape the Patties:

  - With wet hands, shape the meat mixture into small, flat patties about 1/2 inch thick.

Coat the Patties:

  - Place the flour in a shallow dish and lightly coat each patty with flour, shaking off any excess.

Heat the Oil:

  - In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.

Fry the Patties:

  - Carefully add the patties to the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Drain and Serve:

  - Remove the patties from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve warm.

Enjoy your homemade Pârjoale with a side of your favorite dipping sauce or as a delicious addition to a meal!

Nutritional Value

Minced Beef/Pork

   - Calories: 250-300 kcal

   - Protein: 17-20g

   - Fat: 20-25g

   - Iron: 2.6mg

Benefits:

   - High Protein: Essential for muscle repair and growth.

   - Iron: Supports oxygen transport in the blood.

   - B Vitamins: Important for energy metabolism and brain function.

Cooked Rice

   - Calories: 130 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 28g

   - Protein: 2.4g

   - Fiber: 0.4g

Benefits:

   - Energy Source: Rich in carbohydrates, providing a quick energy boost.

   - Low in Fat: Good for heart health and weight management.

   - Gluten-Free: Suitable for those with gluten intolerance.

Onions

   - Calories: 40 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 9g

   - Fiber: 1.7g

   - Vitamin C: 7.4mg

Benefits:

   - Antioxidants: Contains quercetin, which fights inflammation.

   - Digestive Health: High in fiber, aiding digestion.

   - Immune Support: Rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.

Garlic

   - Calories: 149 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 33g

   - Protein: 6.4g

   - Vitamin C: 31.2mg

Benefits:

   - Antibacterial Properties: Helps combat infections.

   - Heart Health: Can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

   - Immune Boost: Enhances immune function with its antiviral properties.

Egg

   - Calories: 72 kcal

   - Protein: 6g

   - Fat: 5g

   - Vitamin D: 1mcg

Benefits:

   - Complete Protein: Contains all essential amino acids.

   - Brain Health: Rich in choline, important for brain function.

   - Eye Health: Provides lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect against eye diseases.

Parsley

   - Calories: 36 kcal

   - Vitamin K: 1640mcg

   - Vitamin C: 133mg

   - Folate: 152mcg

Benefits:

   - Bone Health: High in vitamin K, essential for bone strength.

   - Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage with its high vitamin C content.

   - Detoxification: Acts as a natural diuretic, promoting kidney health.

Flour (All-Purpose)

   - Calories: 364 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 76g

   - Protein: 10g

   - Fiber: 2.7g

Benefits:

   - Energy Source: High in carbohydrates, providing sustained energy.

   - B Vitamins: Contains thiamine, niacin, and riboflavin, which are important for energy production.

   - Versatility: Acts as a binder in recipes, improving texture and structure.

Vegetable Oil

   - Calories: 120 kcal

   - Fat: 14g

   - Saturated Fat: 2g

   - Vitamin E: 2mg

Benefits:

   - Heart Health: Contains unsaturated fats that can reduce bad cholesterol.

   - Antioxidant: Vitamin E helps protect cells from oxidative damage.

   - Essential Fatty Acids: Necessary for brain function and cell growth. 

These ingredients combine to make a nutritious dish that provides protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals essential for overall health.