Minced meat patties reinvented with a juicy pear twist
Classic minced meat patties often find their way onto our dining tables. Recently, I have been adding an unexpected ingredient to them, which makes them exceptionally delicious and succulent.
The addition of grated pear makes the meat incredibly juicy and tender, imparting a subtly sweet note that perfectly complements the spices. Although your loved ones might be surprised by this ingredient, they will surely 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 succulence. Similarly, pineapple is used in Asian cuisine or mango in marinades. In the case of minced meat patties with pear, we not only gain an intriguing flavour but also avoid the dry centre that sometimes occurs in the traditional version.
Recipe for minced meat patties with pear
The ingredients make approximately 8 patties. They taste best with mashed potatoes or pearl barley or bulgur. It's worth adding a fresh, light salad—a mix of rocket with apple slices, a bit of red onion, and classic vinaigrette works superbly. You can also prepare a simple homemade sauce, such as a yogurt-herb sauce, for the patties.
Ingredients:
- 600 grams minced pork (e.g., from shoulder),
- 2 ripe pears,
- 2 eggs,
- about 6 tablespoons breadcrumbs + extra 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 on a coarse grater. Finely dice the bell pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the minced 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 ready 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).
