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Grandma's Katlet Recipe

This is one of those recipes that feels like home. My grandma made katlets all the time when we were growing up. It's simple, comforting, and always delicious. It’s a true family favorite. My dad loved them so much as a kid that she’d make big batches for him and his friends, and they’d clear the plate every time. To this day, she still makes them the same way — always served with crispy French fries and a fresh salad on the side.
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Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb ground beef
  • 2 medium onions, grated (or pulsed in a food processor)
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, either pulsed in a food processor, minced or finely pressed with a garlic press
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped or added to the food processor
  • 3 tablespoon bread crumbs
  • 1 egg
  • About ¾ teaspoon each salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, and cumin (adjust to taste)
  • Olive oil for frying

Instructions
 

Prepare the mixture

  • Grate the onions by hand (this is how my grandma does it) or use a food processor to finely chop the onions, garlic, and cilantro together. If you're not using the processor, press the garlic with a garlic press and chop the cilantro separately.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion/garlic/cilantro mixture, bread crumbs, and egg
  • Season with salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, and cumin.
  • Mix until everything is well incorporated (grandma does it by hand, but the food processor can also be used to blend the seasonings in).

Shape the patties

  • With slightly damp hands, form the mixture into oval or round patties (about the size of your palm).

Cook the katlets

  • Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Fry the patties in batches for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Serve

  • Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  • Grandma usually serves katlets with crispy French fries and a fresh salad on the side. Rice works too if you prefer!