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December 10, 2024
If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, then you’ve probably heard of veal parmesan. This delicious dish is made with tender veal cutlets, coated in breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, then fried to a golden brown perfection. It’s then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavors. Veal parmesan is a popular choice at Italian restaurants, but did you know that you can easily make it at home? In this article, we’ll show you step-by-step how to cook veal parmesan that will impress your family and friends.
Before you start cooking, it’s important to choose the right ingredients. Look for thinly sliced veal cutlets at your local butcher or grocery store. These will cook quickly and evenly, resulting in a tender and moist dish. You’ll also need breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, eggs, flour, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and olive oil for frying. Fresh ingredients are always best, so opt for high-quality products whenever possible.
To begin, set up your workstation by assembling the ingredients and equipment you’ll need. This includes two shallow bowls for the egg wash and flour, a plate for the breadcrumb mixture, and a large skillet for frying. It’s also a good idea to preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 200°F, so you can keep the finished veal cutlets warm while you cook the rest of the batch.
What is Veal Parmesan
Veal Parmesan, also known as Veal Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish that consists of breaded veal cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It is a delicious and comforting meal that is often served with pasta or a side of vegetables.
The key ingredient in Veal Parmesan is veal, which is meat from a young calf. Veal is known for its tender texture and delicate flavor, making it a popular choice for this dish. The veal cutlets are typically pounded thin, breaded with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, and then fried until crispy and golden brown.
Once the veal cutlets are cooked, they are topped with marinara sauce and a generous amount of cheese, usually mozzarella or Parmesan. The dish is then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a gooey and delicious topping for the crispy veal.
The Origins of Veal Parmesan
Veal Parmesan has its roots in Italian cuisine, specifically the region of Southern Italy. It is believed to be an adaptation of the classic Italian dish, Chicken Parmesan (Parmigiana di Pollo), which is made with breaded chicken cutlets.
The dish gained popularity in the United States in the 20th century, as Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions with them. Today, Veal Parmesan is a staple on many Italian-American restaurant menus and is loved by people all over the world.
Fun Fact: While Veal Parmesan is traditionally made with veal, variations of the dish can also be made with chicken or eggplant, catering to different dietary preferences.
Whether you’re a fan of veal or trying it for the first time, Veal Parmesan is a classic dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Its crispy, cheesy, and saucy goodness make it a favorite for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients for Veal Parmesan
Veal Parmesan is a delicious Italian dish that combines tender veal cutlets with tangy tomato sauce and melted cheese. Here are the ingredients you will need to make this classic recipe:
1. Veal Cutlets
Veal cutlets are the star of this dish. Look for thinly sliced veal cutlets at your local butcher or supermarket. You will need 4 to 6 cutlets, depending on their size.
2. All-Purpose Flour
The veal cutlets will be breaded before frying. All-purpose flour will help create a crispy and golden coating on the cutlets.
3. Eggs
Eggs will be used to make an egg wash, which will help the flour adhere to the veal cutlets.
4. Bread Crumbs
Bread crumbs will form the outer coating of the veal cutlets. You can use store-bought bread crumbs or make your own by grinding up stale bread.
5. Olive Oil
Olive oil is the preferred oil for frying the veal cutlets. It adds a nice flavor to the dish.
6. Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is an essential component of veal Parmesan. You can use homemade or store-bought tomato sauce, depending on your preference.
7. Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is the classic choice for veal Parmesan. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to the dish.
8. Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese is a must-have for veal Parmesan. It adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish.
9. Fresh Basil
Fresh basil will be used as a garnish. It adds a touch of freshness and color to the dish.
Make sure to have all these ingredients on hand before you start cooking veal Parmesan. Once you have everything ready, you can proceed with the recipe and enjoy a delicious homemade meal.
Essential ingredients for cooking Veal Parmesan
Veal: The main ingredient for veal parmesan is, of course, veal. Look for tender cuts of veal, such as veal cutlets, which are perfect for this dish.
Breadcrumb mixture: A crunchy breadcrumb mixture is essential for adding a crispy coating to the veal cutlets. Combine breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and dried herbs like oregano or basil.
Egg mixture: To help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the veal, you will need an egg mixture. Beat eggs together with a splash of milk or water and a pinch of salt.
Olive oil: Olive oil is used for frying the veal, giving it a golden crust. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Marinara sauce: Veal parmesan is typically served with marinara sauce, which adds a rich tomato flavor. You can either make your own marinara sauce or use a store-bought one of your choice.
Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese is the final touch in veal parmesan. It adds a gooey and melty layer of cheesy goodness. Shred or slice mozzarella cheese for topping your cooked veal parmesan.
Make sure to have these essential ingredients on hand when cooking veal parmesan, and you’ll be able to create a delicious and satisfying dish that everyone will love!
Preparing the Veal
Before you start cooking the veal parmesan, it’s essential to properly prepare the veal cutlets. Follow these steps to ensure your veal is tender and full of flavor:
1. Season the Veal: Take the veal cutlets and season them with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the taste of the veal and add a subtle hint of seasoning.
2. Dredge the Veal: In a shallow dish, combine flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dredge each veal cutlet in the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Dip in Egg Mixture: In another shallow dish, whisk together eggs and a splash of milk. Dip each floured veal cutlet in the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the veal and create a crispy outer layer.
4. Coat with Breadcrumbs: In a separate dish, combine breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. Take each veal cutlet and press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is fully coated on both sides.
5. Rest the Veal: Once coated, set the veal cutlets aside on a plate and let them rest for a few minutes. This will allow the breadcrumb coating to adhere to the veal and prevent it from falling off during cooking.
Note: For a more golden and crispy crust, you can repeat the dipping and coating process once or twice more, ensuring the veal is thoroughly coated with breadcrumbs.
Now that your veal is properly prepared, you’re ready to start cooking the delicious veal parmesan!
Step-by-step instructions for preparing the veal for cooking
Before you can start cooking veal parmesan, you need to properly prepare the veal. Follow the steps below:
1. Pound the veal:
Place the veal cutlets between two pieces of plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to gently pound the veal cutlets to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This step tenderizes the meat and ensures even cooking.
2. Season the veal:
Sprinkle both sides of the veal cutlets with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add any additional seasonings, such as garlic powder or dried herbs, to enhance the flavor. Make sure to season both sides evenly.
3. Dredge the veal:
Prepare a dredging station by setting up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat a couple of eggs. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Dip each veal cutlet into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the cutlet with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Let the veal rest:
Place the breaded veal cutlets on a plate or baking sheet and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the coating to set and adhere to the meat, ensuring a crisp and golden crust when cooked.
Once you have prepared the veal according to these steps, you are ready to start cooking the veal parmesan!
Breading and Frying the Veal
Once the veal cutlets have been pounded to a thickness of about ¼ inch, it’s time to bread and fry them. Follow these steps to achieve a perfectly crispy and delicious coating:
1. Set up a breading station by placing three shallow dishes on your workspace. In the first dish, add flour; in the second dish, beat a couple of eggs with a splash of milk or water; and in the third dish, combine breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
2. Dip each veal cutlet into the flour, coating it on both sides and shaking off any excess. Then, dip the cutlet into the beaten egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the cutlet with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure adhesion on both sides. Repeat this process with each cutlet.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded veal cutlets into the skillet. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan and work in batches if necessary.
4. Fry the veal cutlets for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to carefully flip the cutlets to avoid disturbing the coating. Monitor the heat to prevent burning and adjust as needed.
5. Once the cutlets are cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain their juiciness.
| Tips |
|---|
| For an extra crunchy coating, you can double dip the cutlets by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps. |
| The veal cutlets can also be baked instead of fried. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded cutlets on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through. |
| To keep the breading from falling off during cooking, refrigerate the breaded cutlets for about 30 minutes before frying or baking. |
| For added flavor, mix grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture. |
Q&A
What is veal parmesan?
Veal parmesan is a delicious Italian dish made with veal scallopini that is breaded, fried, and then baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
What cut of veal should I use for veal parmesan?
For veal parmesan, it is best to use veal scallopini or veal cutlets, which are thinly sliced pieces of veal. This ensures that the veal cooks quickly and evenly.
Can I use chicken instead of veal for veal parmesan?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken instead of veal for veal parmesan. Simply substitute the veal with chicken cutlets and follow the same breading and cooking instructions.
How long does it take to cook veal parmesan?
The total cooking time for veal parmesan is usually around 30-40 minutes. This includes breading and frying the veal, baking it with the sauce and cheese, and allowing it to rest before serving.
What can I serve with veal parmesan?
Veal parmesan is often served with pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, and a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes, so you can choose whichever complements your meal best.