It's an easy-to-make recipe; we share the step-by-step. These patties are served accompanied by white rice and homemade tomato sauce. They are delicious meatballs seasoned with spices and aromatic herbs, fried in hot oil until golden and crispy on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside.
These patties can be served as a main dish accompanied by rice, beans, and salad, or as an appetizer or snack to share with friends and family.
The ground meat used to make these patties can be beef or pork, or a mixture of both. As for the spices and herbs, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, parsley, and cilantro are commonly used, among others.
The result is a dish full of flavor and aroma, enjoyed throughout Guatemala and part of its rich culinary culture. If you feel like making ground meat patties at home, here is a simple and delicious recipe that you will surely love.
When to prepare
Besides their delicious flavor, they hold a special significance in Guatemalan culture.
They are often prepared to celebrate important events such as weddings, baptisms, and patron saint festivals.
They are also a typical dish during Holy Week, when red meat consumption is avoided. Instead, fish or shrimp patties are prepared.
Traditionally, these patties are made in the form of balls or discs, but in some regions of Guatemala, they are shaped into elongated forms similar to a finger.
It is said that this relates to the colonial era, when African slaves working on haciendas had no access to cutlery and ate with their hands.
To facilitate their consumption, the meat patties were shaped so they could be eaten with one hand, leaving the other free to hold tools or work in the fields.
Preparation Tips
To achieve the best ground meat patties, it is important to use fresh meat, either ground at home or by a trusted butcher.
Additionally, it is recommended to season the meat well with the spices and herbs from the recipe and mix it by hand so the flavors blend properly.
When shaping the patties, it’s important they be of uniform size for even cooking.
When frying, ensure the oil is hot so they turn out crispy on the outside and tender inside. They can be served with tomato sauce or a spicy sauce for an extra flavor boost.
Ground Meat Patties
Ingredients
500 grams of Ground meat
1 Egg
Oil
½ Onion
1 Garlic clove
1 pinch of Pepper
Cumin
Oregano powder
½ Bell pepper
1 pinch of Salt
Preparation
Step 1 : First, place the meat in a bowl.
Step 2 : Then, chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic very finely.
Step 3 : Next, add these ingredients to the meat.
Step 4 : Then, add the egg, pepper, cumin, salt, and oregano.
Step 5 : Mix thoroughly by hand.
Step 6 : Once the mixture is ready, form the patties.
Step 7 : Place a skillet on the stove with oil.
Step 8 : Then, cook the patties on both sides over medium heat until golden.
Step 9 : Finally, remove and place on a paper towel. Enjoy!
Video
Preparation (simple version)
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