Schnitzel, Israeli Style

January 31, 2014

What comes to mind when you think of Israeli food? Falafel, shawarma, kabobs, pita and hummus usually top the list. However chicken schnitzel has become one of the most common foods in Israel, adapted from German wiener-schnitzel made with veal. Home-made schnitzel is the ultimate comfort food, but it is also very tasty at fast food restaurants across Israel.

Flattened chicken breasts are coated with flour, bread crumbs or matzah, then pan-fried or baked. By substituting almond meal, this dish becomes gluten-free and also low-carb. Many different ingredients and spices can be used. It can be plain, hot, spicy or crunchy with sesame seeds. No matter how it is prepared, it is a food enjoyed by all ages.

Ingredients:

Chicken or turkey breasts—4 pieces (about 125 g. or 4 oz. each)
1 tbsp. lemon juice
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
1 egg
½ cup flour
½ cup spiced bread crumbs
½ cup sesame seeds
Oil for frying

Preparation:

Place chicken or turkey between plastic wrap and flatten with a mallet; sprinkle with lemon juice, salt and pepper. Let stand for 30 minutes.

Beat egg in a shallow dish. Put flour on a wide plate. On a separate plate, mix bread crumbs with sesame seeds. Dip meat in flour, then in egg, and coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Pan fry in oil (or bake at 350F–180C) until golden brown. Serve hot with lemon wedges, potatoes or rice, and cooked vegetables.

Optional Apricot Sauce:
Combine ingredients and pour over cooked schnitzel:

½-1 cup apricot jam preserves
1 clove garlic minced or garlic powder to taste
2 tsp. soy sauce
¼ cup water

 

Recipe from The Melting Pot, A Quick and Easy Blend of Israeli Cuisine by Tami Lehman-Witzig and Miriam Blum.

Source: By Joanne Gosselin, Staff Writer

Photo Credit: www.shutterstock.com/apolonia