This hearty dish made with potatoes and minced meat is a true family favorite — crispy on the outside, soft and savory inside. Inspired by my village grandmother’s kitchen, it uses only simple ingredients that most of us already have at home. Whether you’re cooking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this meal will impress everyone at the table.

✅ Ingredients:
- 800g potatoes
- 600g minced meat (beef or pork)
- 1 egg
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Sweet paprika (to taste)
- Italian herbs mix (optional)
- 2 onions (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Fresh parsley and dill (chopped)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- Butter (for frying)
- Vegetable oil
🥄 For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
- 150g mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 200ml sour cream
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Italian herbs (optional)
🥗 Optional Side Salad:
- Mixed salad greens
- 1 cucumber (sliced)
- 2 tomatoes (sliced)
- ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 teaspoon French mustard
- Olive oil
👨🍳 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture
Peel and grate the potatoes. Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. Transfer to a large bowl.
Step 2: Add Flavorful Mix-ins
Add finely chopped onions, minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Add Egg & Breadcrumbs
Crack in the egg and add flour. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly combined and slightly sticky.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Heat a mixture of butter and vegetable oil in a skillet. Spoon portions of the potato mixture into the pan and press into flat patties. Fry on medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Cook the Minced Meat Filling
In a separate pan, cook the minced meat with onions, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
In the same pan, melt a bit of butter. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté briefly. Stir in flour, then slowly add sour cream. Simmer gently while stirring until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, sugar, and herbs if desired.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Serve the potato patties warm with the minced meat filling spooned on top and a generous drizzle of mushroom sauce. Pair with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal!
📝 Tips:
- Use leftover mashed potatoes to save time.
- Substitute minced meat with lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or oven.
- Bake instead of fry for a healthier version (at 180°C / 350°F for 20–25 minutes).