Wiener Schnitzel
If you've ever been to Austria, you know the Wiener Schnitzel is one of their culinary crown jewels. It's a crispy, golden-brown fried cutlet, typically made from veal or pork, and it is encased in a delicate golden dust that elevates it to an unparalleled level of savory indulgence.
The secret to achieving perfect Wiener Schnitzel lies in the preparation of the meat itself. It must be pounded thin, so that it cooks quickly and evenly without over-drying out. The meat should also be dredged in egg and flour, which helps give the cutlet both sides a delightful crunch and texture. After that, it's then dipped into a savory mix of breadcrumbs, herbs, salt, and pepper and cooked to perfection in sizzling butter or clarified lard.
After being cooked, Wiener Schnitzel is usually served with a side of lemon wedges and a generous helping of potato salad, but it can also be served simply as a plain cutlet, with a dollop of tartar sauce as a condiment. Whatever way you enjoy it, Wiener Schnitzel is sure to tantalize your taste buds and send your palate on a journey of delight.
In many ways, Wiener Schnitzel embodies Austrian gastronomical traditions. It has staying power, due to its unique combination of flavors and textures, and it is the kind of classic dish that generations of Austrians have grown up enjoying. Its long-standing popularity is testament to its timeless appeal; after all, no one can deny the sheer pleasure of biting into a perfectly prepared Wiener Schnitzel, and that pure joy is part of what makes it so special.
Whether you enjoy it as part of a larger meal or as a snack in its own right, Wiener Schnitzel is sure to offer a delicious and unforgettable flavor experience. Its golden-dust encasement ensures that each bite is a singularly sublime taste sensation.
Wiener Schnitzel recipes
Amazing Wiener Schnitzel recipes sourced from the web.
The origin of Wiener Schnitzel
Tracing the origin of Viennese Schnitzel is an intriguing culinary journey into Austrian culture and history. The origins of this beloved dish, however, are still a bit nebulous, with some scholars believing it first appeared in early 19th-century Austria, and others tracing it much further back.
The earliest known reference to schnitzel can be found in Der völkerlichte Koch, a cookbook written by Heinrich August Brückner in 1806. In this text, the term “Wiener Schnitzel” is used, though it is not clear if the dish was already established at the time. The name of the dish likely originates from the German words “schnitz,” meaning “to cut,” and the Austrian state of “Vienna,” suggesting that the dish may have originated there.
It is thought that the Wiener Schnitzel was inspired by the Italian dish, cotoletta alla milanese, which was introduced to Vienna during the Habsburg Empire. It was also likely influenced by the German schnitzel and the Middle Eastern dish “joojeh kabab,” which is made with boneless pieces of chicken pounded thin and cooked in a pan.
Although its roots may remain a mystery, the popularity of Wiener Schnitzel is undeniable. The traditional Austrian dish has long been a staple of Vienna’s culture, with the fried veal cutlets becoming a mainstay of Viennese cuisine. The dish can be served with a variety of garnishes, such as a squeeze of lemon juice and anchovy paste, or with a side of Austrian potato salad. Wiener Schnitzel is now a popular dish in many countries around the world, and is enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.
The origin of Wiener Schnitzel remains an enigma, but one thing is for sure: this delicious dish is here to stay!
Types of Wiener Schnitzel
The Wiener Schnitzel is a cherished, classic Austrian dish. It is beloved for its simple yet succulent flavors, and its ability to take even the most mundane ingredients and create something magical. Its origins have been debated for centuries, with some claiming it was created in Austria in the 19th century and other sources place its origin much earlier in Italy. Regardless of its origin, one thing is certain: theWiener Schnitzel has become an iconic dish around the world.
Essentially, Wiener Schnitzel is a thin, flattened piece of meat, usually either pork or veal, that is coated in flour, salt, and pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs before being fried. The result is a delicious, crispy outside and a tender, juicy inside. While Wiener Schnitzel is traditionally served with a tartar sauce and lemon wedges, many people enjoy it as is, with nothing but a bit of salt and pepper.
However, what truly sets Wiener Schnitzel apart from other dishes is the variety of forms it can take. From the classic pork or veal Schnitzels to innovative variations like turkey, chicken, and even vegetarian options, there's a Schnitzel for every palate. For those looking for a unique twist on their Schnitzel, there are also creative takes like Parmesan Crusted Schnitzels, which add a cheesy flavor to the traditional dish.
Moreover, while Wiener Schnitzel is traditionally served as a main course, it can also be utilised as an appetiser. Miniature Schnitzels offer a lighter version of the dish, and are often served with a side of fresh vegetables or a salad. They make an excellent starter for a meal, and can be served hot or cold.
No matter how you choose to prepare it, the Wiener Schnitzel is sure to delight. Traditionalists will appreciate the simplicity of the classic, while experimenters can enjoy the endless possibilities the dish offers. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, Wiener Schnitzel is sure to become a favorite in your household.