Sausages with potato garnish, cheese, and parmesan

Minced meat with a side of potatoes with cheese and parmesan

How many times have you craved a savory dish that is not only delicious but also filled with pleasant memories? Minced meat with a side of potatoes with cheese and parmesan is the perfect recipe that combines tradition with intense flavors, offering you an unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe, which is part of our gastronomy, is not just a tasty dish but also a symbol of conviviality, bringing people together around the table. Let's start this culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 22 minced meat rolls

Ingredients for minced meat:
- 800 g beef (brisket)
- 200 g beef fat
- 200 g lamb (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 bone for broth (for a rich taste)
- 20 g (1 teaspoon heaping) baking soda
- 1/2 head of garlic (adjust according to preference)
- Thyme and pepper (to taste)
- 2 teaspoons salt

Ingredients for the side:
- 1 kg potatoes
- 200 g cheese (choose a semi-soft cheese, such as cottage cheese or feta)
- 50 g grated parmesan
- Oil for frying
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh herbs (optional, for decoration)

Preparing the broth:
1. Start by washing the bone well. Put it to boil in a pot with 2-3 liters of water, adding a whole onion and a peeled carrot. These vegetables will give the broth a sweet and aromatic flavor. Let everything simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes.
2. After the bone has boiled, you can remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. The broth can be prepared a day in advance, which will save you time on the day you want to make the minced meat.

Preparing the meat:
3. In the meantime, chop the beef and beef fat through a finer sieve to achieve a fine texture. If you prefer, you can use a food processor. Add the lamb meat if you desire a more complex flavor.
4. Peel the garlic and crush it with a little salt to turn it into an aromatic paste.
5. In a large bowl, mix the minced meat with salt, thyme, and pepper. These spices will flavor the meat, so adjust the quantities according to your taste. Let the mixture chill for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Mixing the ingredients:
6. Once the broth has cooled, gradually add a few tablespoons of it to the meat mixture. It is important not to add all the broth at once to control the consistency. Knead the mixture well until it becomes homogeneous and binds together. When the meat is well kneaded, it should have a texture similar to whipped cream for cakes.
7. Add the baking soda and continue kneading. This will help achieve a soft and fluffy texture for the minced meat rolls.
8. Finally, incorporate the crushed garlic, adjusting the amount according to your preferences. Taste the mixture and adjust the spices so that it is perfect for you.

Shaping the minced meat rolls:
9. If you have a sausage funnel, use it to shape the minced meat rolls. Otherwise, you can shape them by hand. I recommend wetting your hands with a little oil to prevent the meat from sticking.
10. Form rolls of equal size, each weighing about 70-80 g. From one kilogram of meat, you should get approximately 22 minced meat rolls.

Cooking the minced meat rolls:
11. Heat a pan with oil over medium heat. You can use a grill or a non-stick pan for a healthier result. Place the minced meat rolls in the pan, being careful not to overlap them. Cook them for 4-5 minutes on each side until they become golden and crispy.

Preparing the potato side:
12. While the minced meat rolls are frying, peel and cut the potatoes into slices or cubes, depending on your preference. Boil them in salted water for 10-15 minutes until they are soft but not fully cooked.
13. Drain the potatoes and fry them in hot oil until golden. In the last minutes of frying, add the cheese and grated parmesan, mixing well to melt evenly.

Serving:
14. Serve the minced meat rolls hot, alongside the potato side with cheese and parmesan. You can add a fresh salad or garlic mayonnaise for extra flavor.
15. For a special presentation, decorate the plate with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill.

Tips and useful advice:
- If you want to prepare the minced meat rolls a day in advance, you can shape them, wrap them in plastic wrap, and keep them in the fridge. Cooking them will be easier the next day.
- You can experiment with different types of meat, such as pork or turkey, to achieve different flavors. Additionally, you can add extra spices, such as paprika or coriander, to customize the recipe.
- Don't forget to play with the side! The potatoes can be replaced with mashed potatoes, summer salad, or grilled vegetables, depending on the season and preferences.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious. Beef and lamb provide quality protein, while garlic offers benefits for the immune system. Potatoes, on the other hand, are an excellent source of carbohydrates, providing energy to the body. Adding cheese and parmesan enriches the dish with calcium and vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using chicken, but the texture and taste will be different. Choose lean meat to achieve juicy rolls.
2. How can I keep the minced meat rolls longer?
Keep the uncooked rolls in the fridge in an airtight container. They can be frozen and baked directly from the freezer.

This recipe for minced meat rolls with a side of potatoes with cheese and parmesan is perfect for a family dinner, a party, or simply to satisfy a crazy craving for delicious food. Enjoy every bite and share this culinary pleasure with your loved ones! Bon appétit!