Spicy Gypsy Schnitzel Delight
Indulge in the flavors of this Spicy Gypsy Schnitzel Delight, a delightful dish where tender pork schnitzels are complemented by a vibrant, spicy tomato sauce enriched with earthy mushrooms and colorful bell peppers. Inspired by my grandmother's traditional recipe, this dish brings back warm memories of family gatherings and hearty meals. The succulent schnitzels are perfectly breaded and pan-fried to a golden brown, while the sauce delivers a combination of tangy tomatoes, aromatic spices, and a hint of chili heat, making it an irresistible choice for any dinner table. Serve it alongside crispy home fries, buttery spätzle, or fluffy rice to soak up all that scrumptious sauce, and enjoy a taste of nostalgia with every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork schnitzels or boneless chicken breasts
1 1/2 lbs (pounded to 1/4 inch thickness)
pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
sweet paprika
1 teaspoon (to taste)
flour
1/4 cup (for dredging)
canola oil
3 tablespoons (for frying)
mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced)
onion
1 large (sliced)
green bell pepper
1 (thinly sliced)
red bell pepper
1 (thinly sliced)
red wine
1/2 cup (for deglazing)
chicken broth
1 cup (for sauce)
ground tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can
tomato paste
1 (5 1/2 ounce) can
chili paste
2 teaspoons (for heat)
salt
to taste
Instructions
1
Place the pork schnitzels or chicken breasts between two sheets of wax paper. Use a meat mallet to pound the meat to a uniform thickness of about 1/4 inch. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.
2
Season both sides of the meat generously with pepper and sweet paprika, adjusting the amount to your preference.
3
Dredge the seasoned meat lightly in flour, shaking off any excess to create a light coating.
4
In a large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the coated schnitzels and brown them quickly on both sides for 2-3 minutes until golden. Once browned, reduce the heat to medium and fry each side for an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Remove the schnitzels from the pan and keep them warm on a plate, covered with foil.
5
In the same frying pan, add the remaining tablespoon of canola oil. Clean the mushrooms and slice them before placing them in the hot skillet. Sauté the mushrooms until they are lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
6
While the mushrooms are cooking, slice the onion and add it to the pan once the mushrooms are almost done. Stir well to combine.
7
Cut the bell peppers in half, remove the seeds, and slice thinly. Add the sliced bell peppers to the pan. Cook the vegetable mixture for about 10 minutes or until they are tender.
8
Deglaze the pan by adding the red wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the ground tomatoes, tomato paste, and chili paste. Bring to a simmer, letting it cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
9
Serve the schnitzels on plates, generously topped with the spicy tomato sauce and sautéed vegetables.
10
Accompany with your choice of home fries, French fries, spätzle, rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Gypsy Schnitzel Delight?
It is a hearty dish consisting of tender pork or chicken schnitzels topped with a spicy tomato sauce enriched with mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
What type of meat can be used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of either pork schnitzels or boneless chicken breasts.
How thin should I pound the meat?
The meat should be pounded to a uniform thickness of about 1/4 inch using a meat mallet.
Why do I need to pound the meat to 1/4 inch?
Pounding ensures even cooking and helps make the schnitzel more tender.
What seasonings are used for the meat?
The meat is seasoned generously on both sides with pepper and sweet paprika.
How is the schnitzel breaded?
Unlike some schnitzels, this version is lightly dredged in flour rather than being coated in breadcrumbs.
What is the best oil for frying the schnitzel?
The recipe recommends using 3 tablespoons of canola oil for frying.
How long should I fry the schnitzels?
Brown them for 2-3 minutes per side, then reduce the heat and fry for another 3-4 minutes per side.
How should I keep the schnitzels warm while making the sauce?
Place the cooked schnitzels on a plate and cover them with foil to keep them warm.
What kind of mushrooms are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of cleaned and sliced mushrooms, sautéed until lightly browned.
When do I add the onion to the vegetables?
Add the sliced onion once the mushrooms are almost done sautéing.
What type of bell peppers are included?
The sauce includes one green bell pepper and one red bell pepper, both thinly sliced.
How long should the vegetables cook?
Cook the vegetable mixture for about 10 minutes or until they are tender.
What is used to deglaze the pan?
The pan is deglazed with 1/2 cup of red wine and 1 cup of chicken broth.
What makes the sauce spicy?
The spice comes from the addition of 2 teaspoons of chili paste and sweet paprika.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses one 14-ounce can of ground tomatoes and one 5 1/2-ounce can of tomato paste.
How long does the tomato sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes to allow flavors to combine.
Is salt included in the seasoning?
Yes, salt is added to the sauce at the end to taste.
What are the recommended side dishes for this meal?
It is best served with home fries, French fries, spätzle, rice, or noodles.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This dish is inspired by traditional German cuisine and a family recipe from the creator's grandmother.
Can I substitute the red wine?
While not explicitly stated, you could likely use extra chicken broth or a splash of red wine vinegar mixed with water as a substitute.
How much tomato paste is needed?
The recipe calls for one 5 1/2-ounce can of tomato paste.
What is another name for this dish?
It is also known as Zigeunerschnitzel.
Do I need to remove the seeds from the bell peppers?
Yes, you should cut the peppers in half and remove the seeds before slicing them thinly.
What is the role of the flour in this recipe?
The flour is used to lightly dredge the meat, creating a light coating that browns during frying.
Can I use chicken broth for the whole liquid base?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 cup of chicken broth to build the sauce after deglazing.
Is the sauce very hot?
It has a hint of chili heat from 2 teaspoons of chili paste, but you can adjust this amount to your preference.
How do I serve the final dish?
Place the schnitzels on a plate and top them generously with the spicy tomato sauce and the sautéed vegetable mixture.
Is this a good dish for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a hearty comfort food ideal for family meals and nostalgic gatherings.
How many bell peppers are used in total?
Two bell peppers are used: one red and one green.