Jaegerschnitzel

Jaegerschnitzel

There are four basic kinds of Schnitzel in Germany.  Most of them are breaded (regional differences) but how they are served varies.  The four most common versions are:  Plain (usually pork, Schweineschnitzel, though sometimes veal, Wienerschnitzel, and often served with a lemon wedge), Rahmschnitzel (served with a cream sauce), Zigeunerschnitzel (“gypsy” sauce with bell peppers) and Jaegerschnitzel (served with a brown mushroom gravy).

Ingredients:

Pork steak or pork chops

flour

egg, beaten

bread crumbs

2 tablespoons butter

1 yellow onion, diced

1 clove garlic, sliced thin

16 ounces mushrooms, sliced

4 Tablespoons butter

2 cups strong beef broth

1 - 2 teaspoons balmsic vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon thyme

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

*optional few tablespoons heavy cream

Directions:

Place the pork between two sheets of plastic wrap, and pound them between two sheets until just 1/4" thick with the flat side of a meat tenderizer. Lightly season with salt and freshly ground black pepper

Place the flour mixture, egg, and breadcrumbs in 3 separate shallow bowls. Dip the chops in the flour, the egg, and the breadcrumbs, coating both sides and all edges at each stage.  Be careful nut to press the breadcrumbs in the meat.  Gently shake off the excess breadcrumbs.  Don't let the Schnitzel sit in the coating or they will not be as crispy once fried-fry immediately.  

Make sure the cooking oil is hot enough at this point (about 330 degrees F*) as you don't want the Schnitzel to sit around in the coating before frying.  Use enough oil so that the schnitzels swim in it!

Fry the Schnitzel for about 2-3 minutes on both sides until a deep golden brown. Transfer briefly to a plate lined with paper towels.
Serve immediately with slices of fresh lemon and parsley sprigs or with your choice of sauce. Serve with German Spaetzle (see recipe for Homemade German Spaetzle), French fries, or German potato salad, and with a fresh leafy green salad.