Zhemaichay
4 servings
60 minutes
Zemaičiai is a traditional dish of Lithuanian cuisine that embodies the coziness of a home meal. The combination of tender potato filling and juicy meat stuffing gives the patties a rich flavor with soft spicy notes of bay leaf, garlic, and fresh pepper. This recipe symbolizes the peasant cuisine of Lithuania, where simple ingredients are transformed into a hearty and aromatic dish. Zemaičiai is perfect for family dinners, especially in cold weather when one wants to warm up with something homemade. Fried to a golden crust, they have a crispy texture on the outside and juicy filling inside. This dish can be served with traditional sour cream or fresh vegetables, enhancing the richness of flavor. It not only delights the taste but also transports you to the atmosphere of a cozy Lithuanian home.
1
Prepare potato filling. Boil potatoes in their skins, then grate them. Mix with 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of semolina, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, finely chopped onion, and grated garlic. Add salt and pepper. Knead the filling.
- Potato: 3 pieces
- Chicken egg: 2 pieces
- Semolina: 4 tablespoons
- Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 3 pieces
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Salt: to taste
- Fresh pepper: to taste
2
Prepare minced meat. For this, grind the meat through a meat grinder. Mix with 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of semolina, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, finely chopped onion, and grated garlic. Add salt and pepper. Add chopped bay leaves. Knead the minced meat.
- Ground meat: 300 g
- Chicken egg: 2 pieces
- Semolina: 4 tablespoons
- Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 3 pieces
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Salt: to taste
- Fresh pepper: to taste
- Bay leaf: 4 pieces
3
Form a potato patty and place meat filling inside (wrap the meat filling with potato and coat in flour). Fry on high heat for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and fry for 20 minutes on low heat.
- Wheat flour: 1 tablespoon