Are you ready to indulge in a mouthwatering dish that combines tender breaded steak with a delectable Florentine twist? Look no further than our recipe for Florentine-style breaded steak, also known as “Milanesa a la florentina.”
This recipe takes the classic breaded steak and adds a delightful Florentine touch with the incorporation of spinach and cheese. It’s a flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends. So, let’s dive into the details and learn how to prepare this culinary masterpiece.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
4 beef or veal cutlets, thinly pounded
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1
Start by seasoning the beef or veal cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 2
In separate shallow bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
Step 3
Dip each cutlet into the flour, shaking off any excess, then coat it in the beaten eggs, and finally, press it into the breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating.
Step 4
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the breaded cutlets and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and drain on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
Step 5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 6
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of cooked spinach, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the breaded cutlets on top, and then add another layer of spinach and cheese.
Step 7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Step 8
Serve the Florentine-style breaded steak hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Origin and Preparation Secrets
The origins of breaded steak can be traced back to Milan, Italy, where it is known as “Cotoletta alla Milanese.” It’s a traditional Italian dish consisting of thinly pounded beef or veal cutlets coated in breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection. Over time, variations of this dish have emerged in different regions, and the Florentines tyle breaded steak is one such adaptation.
Nutritional Benefits of the Florentine-Style Breaded Steak
Protein: The breaded steak itself is a fantastic source of high-quality protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle health, and promoting satiety.
Iron: Beef and veal are excellent sources of iron, a mineral crucial for the production of red blood cells and oxygen transport throughout the body. Iron is especially important for individuals at risk of iron deficiency, such as pregnant women, children, and vegetarians.
Calcium: The inclusion of spinach and cheese in this recipe adds a dose of calcium to the dish. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, proper muscle function, and nerve transmission.
Side Dishes and Accompaniments
Florentine style breaded steak pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments. Here are a few suggestions to elevate your meal:
Arroz Chaufa
To add an exotic touch to your meal, prepare a delicious side of Arroz Chaufa, a Peruvian-style fried rice dish. You can find a fantastic recipe here: https://carolinarice.com/recipes/arroz-chaufa/ Arroz Chaufa combines flavors from Chinese cuisine with Peruvian ingredients, creating a unique and flavorful rice dish that complements the Florentine style breaded steak wonderfully.
Roasted Vegetables
Serve your breaded steak alongside a colorful medley of roasted vegetables. Simply toss your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the oven until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
For a classic and comforting side, whip up a batch of creamy mashed potatoes. Boil peeled potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. The velvety texture of the mashed potatoes contrasts beautifully with the crispy breaded steak.
Variations of the Florentine-Style Breaded Steak
Chicken Florentine
If you prefer poultry over beef or veal, you can easily substitute chicken breast for the cutlets in this recipe. Follow the same steps for breading and frying the chicken, and then proceed with the spinach and cheese layers in the baking dish. The result is a mouthwatering chicken Florentine that retains all the flavors of the original dish.
Vegetarian Twist
For those who follow a vegetarian diet or simply want to enjoy a meatless version, you can make a delicious vegetarian Florentine style breaded steak. Instead of using beef or veal, opt for a meat substitute such as seitan or tofu.
Seafood Delight
For a seafood twist on the Florentine style breaded steak, consider using fish fillets as the base. Opt for white fish varieties like cod, halibut, or tilapia, which work well with the flavors of the dish. Bread and fry the fish fillets until crispy, and then proceed with the spinach and cheese layers.
Proper Storage and Leftovers
If you find yourself with any leftovers of this scrumptious dish, it’s essential to store them properly to maintain their flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Allow the breaded steak to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
- When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the breaded steak on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- It’s not recommended to freeze the breaded steak, as it may affect the texture and taste.
The Florentine style breaded steak, or Milanesa a la florentina, is a delightful variation of the classic breaded steak. With the addition of spinach and cheese, it takes this dish to a whole new level of flavor.
Remember to use quality ingredients, follow the proper preparation techniques, and pair it with delicious side dishes like Arroz Chaufa for an unforgettable meal.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating your family to a special meal, this Florentine-style breaded steak recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Italy with a Florentine twist!
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