Meat Patties With Tomatoes

Prep: 30 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mediterranean

Juicy meat patties infused with aromatic spices, served with fresh tomato slices and garnished with parsley for a flavorful, hearty meal suitable for family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 2 large potatoes
  • 1 lb. ground meat
  • 1 medium onion, grated
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. saffron, dissolved in 1 tablespoon of water
  • 1/2 tsp. turmeric
  • 3/4 cup dry crumbs
  • 3/4 cup oil
  • 4 tomatoes, sliced
  • parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes until cooked, then peel and mash. Set aside.
  2. Combine ground meat, grated onion, eggs, mashed potatoes, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, saffron water, and turmeric.
  3. Knead the mixture until a smooth paste forms.
  4. Form the mixture into patties.
  5. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
  6. Cook the patties until browned on both sides and cooked through.
  7. In the same pan, add sliced tomatoes and cook briefly until tender.
  8. Serve the meat patties with cooked tomatoes, garnished with parsley if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If you're out of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats can work as substitutes. To enhance flavor, add minced garlic or herbs like cumin or parsley to the meat mixture. Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the patties to achieve a crispy exterior.

Serving Suggestions

These meat patties pair beautifully with sliced cucumbers, a side salad, or a yogurt sauce for a refreshing contrast. They also make a great filling for pita bread or as a protein addition to a grain bowl. For a complete Mediterranean meal, consider serving them alongside Avgolemono Sauce(For Stuffed Grapevine Leaves) or a dish of Spicy Rice And Vegetables.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover meat patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or bake them in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. The tomatoes can be reheated in the microwave or enjoyed cold.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Meat Patties With Tomatoes contains roughly 1962 calories, with 75g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 132g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (198% of the Daily Value), and protein (150% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 720mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

1962 kcal 98% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 75g 100% DV
Total Fat 132.4g 100% DV
Carbs 144.1g 52% DV
Fiber 55.6g 100% DV
Sugar 2.8g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 719.7mg 31% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV
Cholesterol 3.3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 29.5mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 87.4mg 97% DV
Calcium 529.5mg 41% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the meat patties before cooking them?

Yes, you can freeze the formed patties before cooking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked straight from frozen, just increase the cooking time until they are fully cooked through.

What can I use instead of saffron?

If saffron is unavailable or too expensive, consider using a pinch of turmeric for color and a bit of paprika for flavor. While it won’t replicate the unique taste of saffron, it will still add a nice hue and depth to the patties.

How can I make these patties more flavorful?

To boost flavor, incorporate spices like cumin or coriander into the meat mixture. Fresh herbs such as parsley or mint can also enhance the taste. Additionally, letting the mixture rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before forming patties allows the flavors to meld together.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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