Indulge in the flavors of Estonia with our delectable Estonian Kotlet. This traditional dish hailing from the Baltic region is a culinary masterpiece that combines minced meat with an array of aromatic spices, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Served hot and crispy, these savory kotlets are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends. Experience the rich heritage of Estonian cuisine with every bite of our authentic Estonian Kotlet.

Ingredients:

• 500g ground pork or beef (or a mixture of both)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork or beef with the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, thyme, and allspice. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

2- Shape the mixture into small patties or meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You can flatten them slightly if making patties.

3- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

4- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs or patties to the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.

5- Cook the kotlets for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. If making meatballs, you can gently roll them around to ensure even cooking.

6- Once cooked, transfer the kotlets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

7- Serve the Estonian Kotlets hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, lingonberry sauce, or pickled cucumbers.

8- Enjoy the authentic flavors of Estonia with these delicious meatballs or cutlets, perfect for any mealtime occasion!

Tip: Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can also add a dash of paprika for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the Estonian Kotlet recipe:

Ground Pork or Beef (500g):

• Calories: 1200 kcal
• Protein: 100g
• Fat: 80g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in iron, which is important for oxygen transport in the body.
• Provides essential B vitamins like B12, B6, and niacin, necessary for energy metabolism.

Onion (1 medium):

• Calories: 44 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants like quercetin, which may have anti-inflammatory properties.
• High in vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
• Good source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and regularity.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Known for its potential to boost immune function and reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
• Contains sulfur compounds with potential antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• May help lower blood pressure and improve heart health.

Egg (1 large):

• Calories: 70 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.
• Rich in choline, important for brain health and development.
• Good source of vitamins D and B12, necessary for bone health and energy metabolism.

Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Provides carbohydrates for energy.
• Adds texture and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Can be fortified with vitamins and minerals depending on the type used.

Milk (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Good source of calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health.
• Provides high-quality protein for muscle repair and growth.
• Contains other vitamins and minerals like potassium and vitamin A.

Salt, Black Pepper, Nutmeg, Dried Thyme, Ground Allspice: Negligible caloric contribution.

benefits:

• Enhance the flavor of the dish and add aromatic notes.
• May have antioxidant properties.
• Provide small amounts of essential minerals.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Contains heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
• Provides essential fatty acids necessary for cell function.
• Adds moisture and helps prevent sticking during cooking.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, specific ingredients used, and cooking methods. Additionally, the values provided are for the entire batch of kotlets, so you may need to divide them accordingly depending on your serving size.