Cutlet - Russian Cuisine

Russian Cuisine

In modern Russian, the word "kotleta" refers almost exclusively to pan-fried minced meat croquettes. Bread soaked in milk, onions, garlic, and herbs is usually present in the recipe. When in a hurry, a "cutlet" can be eaten between bread slices like a hamburger, but this fast meal is rarely served in restaurants. At homes, it is most often served with pan-fried potatoes, mashed potatoes, pasta, etc.

The other Russian version of a cutlet, called "отбивная котлета" (in Russian), meaning "beaten cutlet," is a fried slice of meat, usually pork or beef, beaten flat with a tenderizing hammer or knife handle and covered with dough or breadcrumbs. Today, this dish is simply called "otbivnaya," with the word "kotleta" reserved for minced meat patties.

Chicken Kiev in Russian cuisine is called "котлета по-киевски" which means "Kiev-style cutlet."