Beef Chops (Meat-Stuffed Potato Cutlets)
Also known as potato chops, these treats trace their roots to the kitchens of Christian communities across India, Pakistan and Iraq, where they became a celebratory staple at weddings, holidays and family feasts. Golden and crisp on the outside, soft and savory within, potato chops are the ultimate comforting classic. Beloved as both a snack and a centerpiece dish, these shallow-fried patties are made by encasing a spiced ground meat filling — often beef or lamb — in a smooth, seasoned layer of mashed potatoes, then pan-frying until golden brown. (The spices often vary depending on the cook’s background or preferences.) The result is a satisfying contrast of textures: creamy potatoes that give way to a fragrant, spiced ground meat center. Making them is a labor of love: There’s some peeling, mashing and filling involved, and you’ll use more than one pan, but the reward is undeniable.
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