Milanesa I

Milanesa I Recipe from Paraguay - Beef Cutlet Recipe

Region / culture: Paraguay | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Milanesa is a popular dish in Latin American cuisine, consisting of thinly sliced meat that is breaded and fried until crispy. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or served with a side of vegetables or salad.

History

The origins of Milanesa can be traced back to Italy, where it is believed to have been inspired by the famous Italian dish, Veal Milanese. The dish was brought to Argentina by Italian immigrants in the 19th century and quickly became a staple in Argentine cuisine. Over time, the recipe evolved to include different types of meat, such as beef, chicken, and pork.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) beef (round steak, loin, etc.)
salt and pepper to taste
garlic (optional)
2 eggs
0.5 cup milk
flour
fine bread crumbs
oil for frying

How to prepare

Cut the meat into thin slices and tenderize each side.
Season the meat.
Beat the eggs and mix in the milk.
Coat the meat with flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with bread crumbs.
Heat enough oil in a frying pan to fully cover the meat.
Fry the meat until it turns brown, then flip it over and brown the other side (thinly cut meat should take about 10 minutes to cook).
Remove the meat from the pan and keep it warm while frying the remaining pieces.

Variations

Use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different flavor.
Add herbs and spices to the bread crumbs for extra flavor.
Serve the Milanesa with a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to tenderize the meat before breading it to ensure that it is tender and juicy.

- Use a combination of flour and bread crumbs for a crispy coating.

- Fry the meat in hot oil to achieve a golden brown crust.

- Serve the Milanesa immediately after frying to maintain its crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

Milanesa can be served with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or salad.

Cooking Techniques

Frying

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs for a gluten-free version.

- Substitute almond milk for regular milk for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can bread the meat ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to fry.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Milanesa on a platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Milanesa pairs well with a glass of Malbec or a refreshing lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Milanesa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Milanesa contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Milanesa contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Milanesa contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Milanesa contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Milanesa is a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

Milanesa contains gluten from the bread crumbs and milk.

Summary

Milanesa is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. It is a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Milanesa is a delicious and satisfying dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With a crispy coating and tender meat, it is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. I was visiting my friend Maria in Argentina, and she invited me over for dinner. As I walked into her cozy kitchen, the aroma of sizzling meat and spices filled the air. Maria was busy pounding thin slices of beef and dipping them in breadcrumbs, preparing what she called Milanesa.

I watched intently as she fried the breaded meat to a golden crisp, the savory smell making my mouth water. Maria explained that Milanesa was a traditional dish in Argentina, a breaded and fried cutlet that was a favorite among families. She told me how her mother used to make it for her when she was a little girl, and now she carried on the tradition in her own home.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the crispy, tender Milanesa. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the seasoned breadcrumbs, the juicy beef, the hint of garlic and herbs. It was love at first bite. I knew I had to learn how to make this dish and bring a taste of Argentina back to my own kitchen.

Maria graciously shared her recipe with me, showing me the steps and giving me tips along the way. I returned home with a newfound passion for cooking, eager to recreate the flavors of that memorable evening. I gathered all the ingredients - thin slices of beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, herbs, and seasoning - and set to work in my own kitchen.

I carefully pounded the beef slices, making sure they were thin and even. I seasoned them with salt, pepper, and garlic, letting the flavors seep into the meat. I dipped each slice into beaten eggs, coating them thoroughly before dredging them in seasoned breadcrumbs. The smell of the seasoned meat and crispy breadcrumbs filled the kitchen, just as it had in Maria's home.

As I fried the breaded cutlets in hot oil, the aroma grew more tantalizing with each sizzle. The Milanesa turned a beautiful golden brown, the breadcrumbs forming a crispy crust around the tender beef. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish, to see if I had captured the essence of Maria's recipe.

I served the Milanesa piping hot, accompanied by a squeeze of fresh lemon and a side of creamy mashed potatoes. The first bite brought back memories of that night in Maria's kitchen, the flavors transporting me back to Argentina. The crispy coating gave way to the juicy beef, the seasonings melding together in perfect harmony. It was a success - a taste of Argentina in my own home.

Over the years, I have made Milanesa countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition just as Maria had passed it on to me. I have added my own touches and variations, making the dish my own while still honoring its roots.

I have come to realize that recipes are more than just a list of ingredients and instructions. They are a connection to our past, a link to the people and places that have shaped us. Each dish tells a story, a tale of tradition and love that is passed down through generations.

And so, whenever I make Milanesa, I think of Maria and that first taste of Argentina. I remember the laughter and joy of that evening, the warmth of friendship and good food. I am grateful for the recipe that brought us together, for the memories that it holds. And I know that as long as I continue to cook and share this dish, a piece of Argentina will always be with me.