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Potato Zrazy

Delicious Ukrainian potato zrazy are golden, crispy patties filled with savory meat and cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 zrazy
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Eastern European, Ukrainian
Calories: 245

Ingredients
  

For the Potato Dough
  • 1-1.1 kg potatoes, peeled (whole, not diced)
  • 1 large egg
  • 60 g all-purpose flour (about 4 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more for boiling water
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried garlic powder
For the Meat Filling
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 20 g butter (about 1.5 tablespoons)
  • 400-500 g ground meat (mixture of chicken and beef, or your choice)
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1-2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried garlic powder
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 100 g mozzarella or cheese, grated (about 3.5 oz)
For Cooking
  • 3-4 tablespoons all-purpose flour for dusting
  • 3-4 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
Optional Enhancement
  • 1-2 teaspoons cream cheese or feta per zrazy for extra creaminess

Method
 

Prepare and Cook the Potatoes
  1. Peel the potatoes and place them whole in a large pot covered with cold water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Cook for 20-25 minutes until tender.
  2. Drain the potatoes, return to the pot on low heat for 1-2 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
Make the Meat Filling
  1. In a skillet, heat vegetable oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until golden.
  2. Add the ground meat, break it up, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned.
  3. Stir in sour cream and 1-2 tablespoons water, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
  4. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cool the filling, then mix with grated cheese.
Prepare the Potato Dough
  1. Mash the hot potatoes in a bowl until smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Let cool to room temperature.
  2. Once cooled, mix in the egg and flour until a smooth dough forms. Adjust with extra flour if too sticky.
Shape the Zrazy
  1. Dust a plate with flour. Take about 120g of dough, shape into a ball, and flatten it.
  2. Create a well in the center, fill with meat filling, seal the edges, and shape into a patty.
Cook the Zrazy
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Add zrazy, cooking for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Serve
  1. Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream or fresh herbs.

Notes

Zrazy are best served immediately and can be adapted with various fillings like mushrooms or cabbage.