Indulge in the iconic flavors of Germany with our authentic Schnitzel recipe. This traditional dish boasts thinly pounded, tenderized meat, coated in a crispy golden crust that promises a symphony of textures with every bite. Served alongside tangy lemon wedges, fresh parsley, and perhaps a dollop of creamy potato salad or a heap of warm, buttery spaetzle, our German Schnitzel is a feast fit for any occasion. Whether you're craving a taste of Bavaria or simply seeking comfort in a hearty meal, this beloved German staple is sure to satisfy your culinary wanderlust. Prost!

Ingredients:

• 4 pork or veal cutlets, about 1/4 inch thick
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fresh)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1- Place the pork or veal cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet to pound the meat until it's about 1/8 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2- Set up a breading station: Place the flour in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. Place the breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.

3- Dredge each cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the cutlet evenly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

4- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1/4 inch deep.

5- Carefully place the breaded cutlets in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. If needed, work in batches.

6- Once cooked, transfer the schnitzels to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

7- Serve the schnitzels hot, garnished with lemon wedges and chopped parsley. Accompany with traditional sides like potato salad, mashed potatoes, or spaetzle. Enjoy your authentic German schnitzel!

Tip: For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of paprika or other spices to the breadcrumbs before coating the cutlets. Additionally, if you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the breaded cutlets in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and crispy.

Nutritional Values:

Here's a general breakdown of the nutritional values for the main ingredients in the authentic German Schnitzel recipe:

Pork or Veal Cutlets (4 ounces, approximately):

• Calories: 180-220 kcal
• Protein: 20-25 grams
• Fat: 10-15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Sodium: Varies based on preparation

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are important for overall health and metabolism.

All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup, approximately):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 6 grams
• Fat: 0.5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 46 grams
• Fiber: 1.5 grams
• Sugar: 0 grams
• Sodium: 0 milligrams

benefits:

• Provides carbohydrates, the body's main source of energy.
• Contains small amounts of protein and fiber.
• Acts as a binding agent for the breading, helping to create a crispy outer layer.

Eggs (2 large):

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Protein: 12 grams
• Fat: 10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram
• Cholesterol: 420 milligrams
• Sodium: 140 milligrams

benefits:

• Rich source of high-quality protein, crucial for building and repairing tissues.
• Contains essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium.
• Provides healthy fats and choline, which are important for brain health and function.

Breadcrumbs (1 cup, approximately):

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Protein: 12 grams
• Fat: 6 grams
• Carbohydrates: 80 grams
• Fiber: 4 grams
• Sugar: 8 grams
• Sodium: 800 milligrams

benefits:

• Adds texture and flavor to the schnitzel.
• Contains carbohydrates for energy.
• May provide small amounts of fiber, depending on the type of breadcrumbs used.

Vegetable Oil (for frying, amount varies):

• Calories: 120 kcal per tablespoon
• Fat: 14 grams per tablespoon
• No protein, carbohydrates, or fiber

benefits:

• Provides healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
• Helps to fry the schnitzel to a crispy golden brown texture.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, preparation methods, and specific types of ingredients used. It's also important to consider any additional ingredients or side dishes served with the schnitzel for a comprehensive nutritional profile.