When we talk about Italian cuisine, the first thing that comes to mind is pizza, pasta, and various types of sauces. However, there are many other dishes that are traditional to Italian cooking. One such dish that has been around for centuries is Milanese. In this blog post, we will go over what Milanese means in Italian cuisine and how it is prepared.
What is Milanese?
Milanese is a style of cooking that is attributed to Milan, a city in northern Italy. It is a dish that is typically made with meat, like veal or chicken, which is thinly sliced, breaded, and fried until golden and crispy. The breading is made by mixing together flour, beaten eggs, and fine breadcrumbs seasoned with salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Typically, Milanese dishes are made with veal; however, you can make them with chicken, pork, or any other type of meat. Some variations of Milanese dishes may use different types of breadcrumbs or additional spices to add a unique twist to the recipe.
Traditional Milanese Dishes
The traditional Milanese dish is the Osso Buco Alla Milanese, a bone-in veal shank that is cooked in a tomato-based sauce with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and a variety of other herbs and spices. The dish is traditionally served with Risotto Alla Milanese (saffron risotto), a classic staple in the Lombardy region.
Another traditional Milanese dish is the Cotoletta Alla Milanese. This dish is made with a bone-in veal chop that has been pounded thin, breaded, and fried, and it is usually served with a side of vegetables or potatoes. It is similar to schnitzel or Wiener schnitzel in preparation, but the Milanese version is typically thicker and contains bone.
Milanese Outside of Italy
Milanese dishes have also gained popularity in countries outside of Italy. Many restaurants around the world have created their own version of Milanese dishes, and some have even added unconventional ingredients to give the recipe a unique twist.
In Argentina, Milanese is known as “Milanesa,” and it is typically made with a thin slice of beef that has been breaded and fried. It is usually served with mashed potatoes, french fries, or salad.
In Japan, there is a popular dish called called katsu curry, which takes thinly sliced pork, breads it, and serves it with curry sauce and rice. The cooking method for the pork is the same as for the Cotoletta Alla Milanese.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Milanese originated in Milan, Italy, and it is a style of preparing food that involves breading and frying meat to create a crispy exterior. The Osso Buco Alla Milanese and Cotoletta Alla Milanese are two traditional dishes that are famous in Milan, and the saffron risotto is a perfect match for these dishes.
Many restaurants around the world have added their twist to this classic dish to give it a unique flavor. Milanese has even inspired different dishes like the katsu curry in Japan and Milanesa in Argentina.
Milanese shows that there are many unique dishes in Italian cuisine besides the classic pasta and sauce combinations. It is a dish that is perfect for a special occasion or just a nice dinner. Try making it at home for a taste of traditional Italian cooking.
FAQ
What is Milanese sauce made of?
Milanese sauce, also known as Salsa Milanese in Italian, is a traditional sauce originating from the city of Milan, Italy. The sauce itself is made up of a combination of ingredients that give it a unique and flavorful taste, perfect for accentuating the flavors of pasta, meat, vegetables, and even seafood.
The basic ingredients of Milanese sauce consist of garlic and extra-virgin olive oil, combined together in a pan until fragrant, providing the base for the sauce. To this mixture, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper, shelled, raw pistachios, and fresh parsley are added and stirred until well combined. These ingredients give the sauce a creamy and slightly nutty flavor, which pairs well with a wider range of dishes.
Other variations of Milanese sauce consist of additional ingredients such as grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and extra-virgin olive oil. These ingredients are blended in a food processor to form a smooth and creamy sauce with a subtle basil flavor.
For a more unique twist on Milanese sauce, some chefs incorporate ingredients such as mint leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, thyme leaves, garlic cloves, and orange zest. These ingredients offer a more complex and nuanced flavor profile, which works great as a finishing touch for various dishes.
Milanese sauce can be made with a variety of different ingredients depending on preference. However, the common thread is that the sauce typically features a combination of garlic and olive oil, accompanied by either Parmesan cheese and nuts or basil and other herbs, providing a rich and flavorful sauce perfect for a range of dishes.
What’s the difference between schnitzel and Milanese?
Schnitzel and Milanese are two classic dishes that are beloved across the world. Though they may seem similar at first glance, there are actually a number of key differences between the two.
First and foremost, the primary difference between the two dishes is the cut of meat used. Schnitzel is traditionally made from veal or pork and comes from either the flank or the rump. Milanese, on the other hand, is made from veal and comes from the loin, with the bone still in. This difference in cut gives the two dishes a slightly different texture and taste.
Another key difference between the two dishes is in the breading. Schnitzel is typically coated in breadcrumbs, while Milanese is coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and sometimes even ground nuts. Milanese is also often seasoned with oregano and lemon, giving it a distinctly Italian flavor that sets it apart from schnitzel.
Finally, the preparation of the two dishes varies slightly as well. Schnitzel is typically pounded thin before it is breaded and fried, while Milanese is often left thicker and simply breaded and fried. Additionally, schnitzel is often served with a variety of different sides, such as potato salad or spaetzle, while Milanese is typically served with a simple arugula and cherry tomato salad.
In short, the difference between schnitzel and Milanese comes down to the cut of meat, the breading and seasoning, and the preparation. Both dishes are delicious in their own right, and deciding between the two will likely come down to personal preference.
Which is the typical Milanese dish?
Milan, also known as the fashion capital of the world, is also famous for its delicious cuisine. Italy is known for its unique and exceptional dishes, and Milan is no exception. Milan boasts of its typical traditional dishes that are filled with flavor and taste. One of the most famous and popular Milanese dishes is ossobuco with Risotto alla Milanese.
Ossobuco, which can be translated as “marrow-bone” in English, is a traditional Milanese main course dish. It is prepared with veal shanks that are slow-cooked in a white wine, onion, celery, and carrot sauce. The dish is famously served with Risotto alla Milanese, a classic Milanese risotto made with saffron, butter, and parmesan cheese. The marrow, situated inside the bone, is tenderized and flavors the velvety, wine-based sauce that covers the meat slices. This dish requires a bit of effort to make, but it is definitely worth it. It is a perfect dish to impress guests and it is also perfect for a romantic evening.
Risotto alla Milanese is a creamy, delicate, and flavorful risotto, which is traditionally served alongside ossobuco. The characteristic saffron yellow color, derived from saffron threads, gives the dish a slightly floral and pleasantly bitter taste. The addition of butter, parmesan cheese, and the slow-cooked risotto rice creates a creamy texture that complements the ossobuco dish very well.
Ossobuco with Risotto alla Milanese represents the authentic Milanese cuisine, which reflects the territory’s historical and cultural heritage on a plate. Its exquisite flavors, delicate aroma and distinctive yellow color create a truly unique taste experience, which has made it a traditional Milanese delicacy that is famous around the world. If you ever get the chance to visit Milan, do not miss out on trying this fantastic dish.
