Meat patties reinvented: The apple twist for juicier bites
No one likes hard and dry meat patties. Unfortunately, even the best-looking ones can sometimes lack the right texture and taste bland. To ensure juiciness in this dish, I recommend trying a trick with an unusual ingredient. It's about a piece of grated fruit that is mixed with the raw meat.
It may seem that everything has already been said regarding meat patties. Are you sure? It turns out that adding one unusual ingredient – an apple – can bring a completely new quality to this traditional dish. Meat patties with apples are a modern take on a classic recipe. The apple adds a subtle acidity and juiciness that blend perfectly with the meat. As a result, the patties become lighter and more refreshing. This is a great option for those looking for new flavours while wanting to keep the tradition alive.
What apples to use for meat patties?
The texture of the patties is one thing, but it's also important to maintain the classic taste of the dish. Too sweet an apple can make the whole thing too bland. Sour-sweet varieties will be the best choice for this recipe.
Recipe for meat patties with apple
In different regions, meat patties were prepared in various ways. Grated potatoes are either added to make them fluffier, or fish is added in a variation. In recent years, chefs have started experimenting with even more unusual additions, such as apples or oatmeal.
Ingredients:
- 500g of ground meat (preferably pork-beef mix),
- One medium apple (preferably sour, e.g., Granny Smith),
- One medium onion,
- Two cloves of garlic,
- One egg,
- 100g of breadcrumbs,
- salt, pepper, and other favourite spices,
- oil for frying.
- To prepare the patties, peel the apple and grate it on a fine grater. Squeeze out the excess juice.
- Next, chop the onion and garlic, and sauté the onion in a pan until translucent.
- Combine the ground meat, grated apple, sautéed onion, chopped garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, and spices in a large bowl. The mixture should be uniform but not too dry.
- Form the patties and fry them in heated oil over medium heat until golden.
Why add an apple to meat patties?
Adding an apple to meat patties may seem unusual, but it has many health and flavour benefits. The apple, as a source of many vitamins, especially vitamin C and fibre, enriches the flavour notes of meat dishes. This makes the patties not only tastier but also lighter and more refreshing. Moreover, the apple juice softens meat fibres, making the patties juicier.
