Veal Cutlets Recipe

Veal Cutlets Recipe

History and Fun Facts:

Veal cutlets have a long-standing history in European cuisine, particularly in countries like Italy, France, and Germany. The recipe originated from the traditional methods of preparing and cooking veal, which has been consumed for centuries.

Veal, the meat of young calves, is known for its tenderness and subtle flavor. It became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages, as it was considered a delicacy enjoyed by the upper class. The tradition of making veal cutlets evolved over time, incorporating various techniques and flavors.

In Italy, veal cutlets are commonly known as "Cotolette alla Milanese," originating in Milan. This dish is prepared by coating the veal with breadcrumbs and frying it until golden and crispy. It is traditionally served with a slice of lemon and often accompanied by a side of risotto alla Milanese.

Fun fact: The famous Austrian dish "Wiener Schnitzel" is also a variation of veal cutlets. It is traditionally served with a side of potato salad.

Now, let's jump into the recipe for Veal Cutlets:

Ingredients:
- Veal chops or veal cutlets, cut into small pieces the size of chops
- Finely minced onion
- Eggs, beaten
- Bread crumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Butter and sweet drippings (such as vegetable oil or lard) for frying
- Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing the veal cutlets. Take either veal chops or veal cutlets and pound them gently with a mallet to flatten them slightly. This will help tenderize the meat and ensure even cooking.

2. Sprinkle a little finely minced onion on each cutlet. The onion adds a subtle flavor to the dish and enhances the taste of the veal. Adjust the amount according to your preference.

3. In separate bowls, set up your stations for breading the cutlets. In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, combine the bread crumbs with salt and pepper, ensuring they are well seasoned.

4. Dip each cutlet into the beaten egg, making sure it is fully coated. Then, transfer it to the bowl of seasoned bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the surface. Repeat this step for all the veal cutlets.

5. In a fry-pan, melt a mixture of butter and sweet drippings over medium heat. The combination of butter and drippings adds richness and flavor to the dish. Adjust the amount based on the number of cutlets you are cooking.

6. Once the butter and drippings are hot, carefully place the breaded cutlets into the pan. Fry them slowly, turning frequently to ensure even browning. Be sure to watch the heat carefully to prevent scorching.

Note: Veal cutlets take longer to fry compared to beefsteak due to their tenderness. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cutlets. Aim for a rich brown color and a well-cooked interior.

7. Once the veal cutlets are cooked to perfection, transfer them to a heated platter. This will help keep them warm until serving and prevent them from getting soggy.

8. Garnish the veal cutlets with fresh parsley, adding a vibrant touch of color to the dish. The parsley also adds a refreshing flavor that complements the richness of the veal.

Your delicious Veal Cutlets are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a main course alongside your favorite side dishes, such as roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad.

Similar Recipe Dishes:

1. Cotolette alla Milanese: This Italian version of veal cutlets is traditionally prepared by breading and frying veal chops. It is often served with a slice of lemon and accompanied by risotto alla Milanese. The addition of saffron in the risotto adds a unique flavor.

2. Wiener Schnitzel: A beloved Austrian dish, Wiener Schnitzel is prepared by breading and frying veal cutlets. It is typically served with a side of potato salad or parsley potatoes. The use of veal gives it a tender and delicate taste.

3. Chicken Parmesan: Although not made with veal, Chicken Parmesan follows a similar breading and frying process. It involves coating chicken breasts with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then serving them with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.

Explore these variations to add more variety to your culinary repertoire and enjoy the deliciousness of breaded and fried meat cutlets!