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Vegetarian Cutlets

17/11/2023

Preparing vegetarian cutlets can be a tasty way to enjoy a dish similar to the classic meat cutlets, but using plant-based ingredients. Here is a basic recipe for vegetarian cutlets that you can customize based on your tastes and the ingredients you have available.

Ingredients

  • 1 large eggplant or 2 medium zucchinis (as a vegetable alternative to meat)
  • 2 eggs (can be substituted with a chickpea flour and water mixture for a vegan version)
  • Breadcrumbs (or a mix of breadcrumbs and cornmeal for crunchiness)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional to enrich the flavor, exclude it for a vegan version)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for frying or cooking oil if you prefer a lighter cooking method

Preparation

  1. If you’re using eggplant, cut it into slices about 1 cm thick. If you’re using zucchini, also slice them, but you can choose to make longitudinal slices to have a shape more similar to that of classic cutlets. Place the slices in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them rest for about 30 minutes to remove any bitterness (especially useful for eggplants).

  2. In the meantime, beat the eggs in a bowl and prepare a plate with breadcrumbs, adding grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. If you are opting for the vegan version, prepare a batter with water and chickpea flour, seasoned with salt.

  3. Rinse the eggplant or zucchini slices to remove the salt and dry them with kitchen paper.

  4. Dip the slices first into the beaten egg (or vegan batter), then into the breadcrumbs, making sure they are well covered.

  5. Heat plenty of oil in a pan and, once hot, fry the cutlets until they are golden and crispy on both sides. If you prefer, you can also bake them in the oven, placing them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and spraying a bit of oil on the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden, turning them halfway through cooking.

  6. Drain the cutlets on kitchen paper to remove the excess oil before serving.

You can enjoy your vegetarian cutlets with a nice fresh salad or a side of grilled vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. Enjoy!

Vegetarian Cutlets