Growing up with immigrant parents from Germany, I was constantly being exposed to all the wonderful German dishes there is to offer. Important events such as holidays, birthday celebrations, and regular days were a great opportunity to try new dishes as well as enjoying classics that are now considered favorites. A dish that has always stood out to me the most is schnitzel. Schnitzel has been one of my favorite dishes since I was a kid, with the crunchy texture and moist meat inside, it always had me going for seconds. As I got older though, I started to truly appreciate it, as it brings lots of value and importance within my family. My biggest inspiration for cooking has been my mom. She makes her cooking look effortless and brings to the table flavorful and delicious meals. When I was a teenager, my mom started showing me how to make classic German dishes. The first dish she introduced me to was schnitzel, which I was very excited to learn how to make since it is a favorite of mine.
Schnitzel is not hard to make, but it does take some time. Schnitzel is pieces of meat that are hammered flat, then breaded with flour, egg, and bread crumbs. They are then pan fried until golden brown, and can be paired with different sides, although usually it comes with some form of potatoes and vegetables. It is a versatile dish that can be changed to taste. My mom has made this version of schnitzel for years and its the one that I grew up with and still enjoy today.
A 400 year old restaurant in Vienna, Austria that sells the famous wiener schnitzel
[Picture from Wikimedia commons]
The history of schnitzel seems to still be debated as exactly when and who invented this dish. Historians predict that the invention of schnitzel first took place around the Roman times during the 1st century, as written records show evidence of meals with pounded meat and being cooked in a similar matter. The timeline is unknown, but it is thought that the Italians soon adapted their own version of the schnitzel called the Cotoletta alla Milanese. Over a period, Austria then took on their own approach and made sure the world knew of this. The term wiener schnitzel is trademarked and protected under Austria laws. Wiener schnitzel is only made from veil but it can be either pan or deep fried, and is traditionally served with lemon juice. An important note is the difference between Wiener schnitzel and regular schnitzel. Wiener schnitzel is only made from veil, while regular schnitzel can be made from chicken, beef, pork, or a mixture of different meats but the cooking methods remain the same. 
A traditional wiener schnitzel dish made from veal with a side of potato and lemon
[Picture from Wikimedia commons]
There are many existing types of schnitzel present throughout the world that are enjoyed by many today. Though the cooking methods have remined similar, the dish has revolutionized throughout time and continues to be improved. In the 1850’s when many German immigrants migrated to Texas, beef started to be commonly used compared to pork or veil due to availability of beef being more common. Pounding the beef became an important step in the cooking prosses as it was less tender than other meats. Schnitzel was also very popular within the early period of Israel, but it was commonly made with chicken or turkey since veil was not available. It was cooked with oil and the meat was coated with egg, breadcrumbs, and sometimes added paprika or sesame seeds. Today many countries have taken their own approach and truly made it their own. In Egypt, they call it frakh pané and it is made with chicken and served with French fries. It can also be served as an appetizer as well. Recently, there are many variations of healthy schnitzel as diet culture as well as meeting dieting needs come into play. Schnitzel that is made from skinless chicken breast, lean pork, or even turkey breasts are seen as healthier options. A wide variety of topping options like different flavors of sauces as well as the use of fresh veggies and cheeses have become popular and gave a wider variety for taste and spice preference.
The Cotoletta alla Milanese is a classic Italian dish made from veal rib chop and the cutlet is fried in butter.
[Picture from Wikimedia commons]
Schnitzel is a extremely versatile dish that has a long history of being eaten in many different countries and cultures, each of which have adapted it to their resources and type of meat available. Its importance lies in its versatility, adaptability and simpleness to make. Anyone with meat and breading can make this dish, and add any sides they have available. It is a classic dish that has withstood the test of time that I think everyone should try and enjoy!
German food and recipes. “Schnitzel: The most popular German meat dish” https://ilikegermany.com/german-food/schnitzel/ [accessed Feb 7, 2023]. Holy Schnitzel. “The Origin Story of Schnitzel”. https://holyschnitzel.com/the-origin-story-of-schnitzel/ [accessed Feb 7, 2023]. Seasoned pioneers. "A brief history of: The wiener schnitzel.” https://www.seasonedpioneers.com/a-brief-history-of-the-wiener-schnitzel/ [accessed Feb 7, 2023] Yasa, Dilvin. “That’s not a schnitty, this is a schnitty.” https://www.escape.com.au/destinations/europe/thats-not-a-schnitty-this-is-a-schnitty/news-story/b51f46d3e64f6fc38957f54158baba1a [accessed Feb 7, 2023].
