Israeli Schnitzel Recipe 

Israeli schnitzel is a dish loved by Israelis of all ages. For those who are wondering what schnitzel is, schnitzel is the Israeli version of fried chicken or chicken nuggets.

The origins of schnitzel can be traced back to Austria, where the term was first coined in the late 1800s to describe pan-fried breaded meat. This delicious dish quickly became a staple in central European cuisine, known for its crispy exterior and tender meat. In the early 20th century, central European immigrants brought schnitzel to Israel, where it found a warm welcome and became a beloved part of Israeli cuisine. The dish's adaptability made it especially popular during a time when many Israeli households didn't have ovens. The thin cutlets could be easily prepared over an open flame, making schnitzel an ideal and convenient meal option. This practical cooking method, along with the dish's delicious flavor, helped schnitzel become a culinary favorite in Israel, blending seamlessly with the country's diverse food culture.

Israeli schnitzel is now a staple food in Israel that can be found on most bustling streets, whether in Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv or Haifa each stand or restaurant with its own twist standing as a testament to a preference of; flavours and historical background.

Over the years, the Israeli schnitzel recipe has been pretty much the same from the time when it was brought over from Austria, however, the now-a-day difference is the flavours and spices that are sprinkled over the delicious delicacy.

The next part of the blog will allow you to create your very own Israeli schnitzel from the comfort of your home.

Schnitzel Recipe:

Tip: Transform your meals with our Schnitzel Spice Mix, a balanced blend from a third-generation farm.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)

• 3 tablespoons Schnitzel Spice Mix (available from Artza)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cutlets:

   • Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a rolling pin or your hands to gently pound the cutlets until they are about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and remain tender.

2. Season the Flour:

   • On a plate or shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the schnitzel spice mix seasoning.

3. Prepare the Egg Wash:

   • In another cup, beat the eggs until well mixed.

4. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture:

   • In a third shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs with 3 tablespoons of Schnitzel Spice Mix. This spice blend adds a rich, savory flavor to the breading.

5. Bread the Cutlets:

   • Dredge each cutlet in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.

   • Dip the floured cutlet into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.

   • Coat the cutlet with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.

6. Heat the Oil:

   • Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot.

7. Fry the Schnitzels:

   • Carefully add the breaded cutlets to the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

     Fry each cutlet for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

8. Drain and Serve:

   • Transfer the cooked schnitzels to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

9. Garnish and Enjoy:

   • Serve the schnitzels hot, garnished with lemon wedges for that zesty taste. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes.

Tips:

• For extra crispiness, consider double-dipping the cutlets in the egg wash and breadcrumb mixture.

• If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the schnitzels at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Israeli schnitzel is more than just a popular dish; it’s a culinary tradition that brings together history, culture, and flavor. From its Austrian origins to its beloved status in Israeli street food culture, schnitzel has become a symbol of comfort and community. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with the rich flavors of our Schnitzel Spice Mix, makes it an ideal choice for any meal. Follow our Artza recipe above and recreate a taste of Israel in your own kitchen.

We hope you enjoy making this dish as much as we do, let us know if you have any additional tips, flavours and spices you added, we always love to try new recipes.