One of the gastronomic jewels of Uruguay is undoubtedly the Milanesa. This dish, deeply embedded in the culinary culture of the country, has its origins in Italy, more precisely in the city of Milan, hence the name “Milanesa.”
What is Uruguayan Milanesa?
Uruguayan Milanesa is a breaded meat fillet, similar to a large, flat meatball or a thin, breaded steak. The meat is typically beef, although chicken and veal versions are also popular. The meat is seasoned, coated in beaten egg, and then covered in breadcrumbs before being fried or baked. The result is a satisfyingly crispy and tender meat dish that can be served with mashed potatoes, salad, or even as a sandwich – a “Milanesa al pan”.
The Classic Uruguayan Milanesa Recipe
For the main dish, you’ll need:
- 4 thin beef fillets
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups of breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
The preparation is straightforward:
- First, season the beef fillets with salt and pepper.
- Then, in a shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- In another dish, spread out the breadcrumbs.
- Dip each fillet into the beaten egg, ensuring both sides are well coated.
- Next, coat the egg-dipped fillets with the breadcrumbs.
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan.
- Fry the breaded fillets until they are golden brown on both sides.
- Remove the Milanesas from the pan and place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
You now have a simple but delicious Uruguayan Milanesa, ready to be enjoyed!
Variations of the Dish
Uruguayan Milanesa has many variations that add different ingredients to the basic recipe. Some of these include Milanesa Napolitana with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce, or Milanesa a la Suiza with ham and cheese. The versatility of the Milanesa means you can experiment with different toppings and ingredients to suit your taste.
With its rich flavor and satisfying crunch, the Uruguayan Milanesa is a treat for the senses. Whether served as a main dish or in a sandwich, it’s a testament to the enduring influence of immigrant cuisine on Latin American food.
Uruguayan Milanesa Napolitana Recipe
Among the many variations of the Milanesa, the Napolitana is a favorite. It comes with an additional layer of mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and sometimes ham. The result is a deliciously gooey and savory treat that takes the traditional Milanesa to a new level.
Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 prepared Milanesas (from the recipe above)
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 slices of ham (optional)
- Oregano to taste
Procedure:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (around 390°F).
- Arrange your already fried Milanesas in a baking dish.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over each Milanesa.
- If you’re using ham, place two slices on each Milanesa.
- Cover the Milanesas with the shredded mozzarella.
- Sprinkle oregano over the top for added flavor.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and slightly golden, about 15 minutes.
Accompanying Your Milanesa
One of the great things about the Uruguayan Milanesa is its versatility. It can be served as a main dish accompanied by mashed potatoes or a salad. If you’re feeling a bit more casual, you can also serve it as a sandwich – the Milanesa al pan.
The Milanesa sandwich is quite simple. You’ll need:
- A baguette or any other kind of long bread
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup
Just slice the bread in half, place your Milanesa, and top with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauces. It’s a delicious and quick meal that’s sure to satisfy!
Conclusion
With its crisp exterior and tender inside, the Uruguayan Milanesa is a flavorful experience that’s worth a try. From the traditional Milanesa to the cheese-laden Napolitana version, this dish has something for everyone. Its versatility makes it a fitting meal for any time of day, and its rich history is a testament to the multicultural influences on Latin American cuisine. Dive in and enjoy the delectable journey that is the Uruguayan Milanesa!
