Groundbreaking patties: The juicy secret of adding pear
Classic ground meat patties often find their way to our tables. Lately, I've been adding an unusual ingredient to them that makes them exceptionally delicious and juicy.
The addition of grated pear makes the meat incredibly juicy and tender, adding a subtly sweet note that perfectly complements the spices. Although your loved ones might be surprised by this ingredient, they're likely to love the taste of these unique patties. Most importantly, this recipe is neither difficult nor time-consuming.
Why do we add pear?
While it may seem surprising, in many cuisines around the world, fruit is added to meat—not just for flavour, but also for practical reasons. Pear contains enzymes and natural sugars that soften muscle fibres and give the dish exceptional juiciness. Similarly, pineapple is used in Asian cuisine, while mango is popular in marinades. By adding pear to ground meat patties, we not only introduce an interesting flavour but also avoid the dry centre that sometimes occurs in the classic version.
Recipe for ground meat patties with pear
Ingredients are enough to make about 8 patties. They taste best with mashed potatoes, pearl barley, or bulgur. Be sure to add a fresh, light salad—a mix of arugula with apple slices, a bit of red onion, and classic vinaigrette works great. You can also prepare a simple homemade sauce, like a yogurt-herb sauce, for the patties.
Ingredients:
- 600 g ground pork (e.g., from shoulder),
- 2 ripe pears,
- 2 eggs,
- about 90 mL breadcrumbs + additional amount for coating,
- 1 medium red bell pepper,
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste,
- 1–1.5 teaspoons dried marjoram,
- vegetable oil for frying.
Preparation:
- Peel the pears and grate them using a coarse grater. Finely dice the bell pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with pears, bell pepper, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Add salt, pepper, and marjoram. Mix everything thoroughly—the mixture should be compact but moist. If it seems too runny, add a bit more breadcrumbs.
- Form medium-sized patties from the mixture, coat them in breadcrumbs, and set them aside to "rest" for a moment.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the patties on both sides over medium heat until they are golden brown and well-cooked inside (about 4–5 minutes on each side).
