Kotlety Pojarskie (Russia)

World-Bites (20) / Kotlety Pojarskie

A specialty of Moscow, Kotlety Pojarskie (cutlets of ground chicken) is a dish that should seduce your guest, the most difficult. Cooking is a game but also a culture that is transmitted progressively. A landlord served it unexpectedly to the Tsar Nicolas I to move to St. Petersburg, and the dish remains a delighted glory in Russia since then.

Ingredients

3 thick slices bread, crusts removed
4 tablespoon milk
1 lb. ground chicken
1/3 cup butter, softened
½ teaspoon salt
1/3 spoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg 4 tablespoons flour
1 egg, beaten
1 ½ cup dry bread crumbs
Oil for cooking

Soak the bread slices in the milk, then squeeze as dry as possible. Blend together the chicken, butter and bread.
Add the salt, pepper and nutmeg and mix well. With lightly floured hands divide the mixture into 6 portions and form into cutlet shapes.
Dust lightly with flour, dip into the egg and then coat well with the bread crumbs.
Place on a plate or tray, cover and chill for 30 minutes.
Heat sufficient oil to generously cover the base of a large skillet and cook the cutlets for about 5 minutes each side, or until golden brown.
Serve piping hot.