I am not sure why these are called Russian steaks because they do not seem too Russian to me... but we made these for lunch today and they were a big success.
For the meat mixture you need:
500 gr minced meat
1 clove of garlic (crushed)
parsley (around 2 tbsp, thinly cut)
1 egg
2 tbsp of vinegar
4 tbsp of breadcrumbs
1 tsp of salt
pepper
For frying the steaks you need:
1 further egg beaten with 2 tbsp of milk
flour
olive oil (coat generously the base of a frying pan)
Mix all the ingredients (those of the meat mixture of course) and mix well (with a spoon or with your hands). The quantities are indicative only and you can alter them as you wish. The mixture should not be wet though - if it is, just add more breadcrumbs. If you have time put the mixture into the fridge for 20 minutes. This will help to shape the steaks - though if you do not have time for this it does not really matter.
Heat the oil until very hot.
With your hands get bits of mixture of around the size of a golf ball. Coat them in flour. Flatten them. Coat them in egg and fry them. As soon as you put them in the oil turn the heat down to medium. Also, remember not to pack too many steaks on the pan or the meat will boil rather than get fried. You need to turn the steaks around half way through the frying process. They are ready when they are golden on both sides.
Children love these and the coating helps to keep the meat moist so you can avoid side sauces like ketchup. You can serve them with pasta on the side or just with a green salad.
The children did it all except for frying the steaks. At the beginning they were a bit squeamish about touching the raw meat but they soon got into it. Please-please remember to wash well their hands before and especially after they touch the raw meat.
