Mediterranean vegetables and crispy schnitzel

Mediterranean Vegetable Recipe with Crispy Schnitzel

Who doesn't dream of a sun-filled summer, with the aromas of fresh vegetables and simple yet delicious dishes? This Mediterranean vegetable recipe with crispy schnitzel is perfect for warm days when you don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen but want to enjoy a delightful meal. I propose a harmonious combination of fresh vegetables and crispy schnitzel that will delight your taste buds.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the Mediterranean vegetables:
- 2 zucchinis
- 2 eggplants
- 3 tomatoes
- 3 bell peppers (preferably red)
- 8 slices of mozzarella
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan
- 5 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- Chopped basil (about a handful)
- Olive oil (for greasing the tray and drizzling over the vegetables)

For the schnitzel:
- 1 boneless chicken breast, cut and flattened with a meat mallet
- Flour (for dredging)
- 2 eggs
- Crushed salty cornflakes (not powdered)
- Garlic powder (about a teaspoon)
- Sweet paprika (a teaspoon)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Oil for frying

Step by step: Preparing the recipe

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Wash the zucchinis, eggplants, tomatoes, and bell peppers well. Slice the zucchinis and eggplants into thin slices, and cut the tomatoes and bell peppers into similar-sized slices for even baking. Place the vegetable slices in a large bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to release their juices.

2. Arranging the vegetables in the tray: Grease a large tray with olive oil. Meanwhile, drain the vegetables of excess water. Layer the vegetable and mozzarella slices alternately, starting with a layer of zucchinis, followed by mozzarella, eggplants, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Continue until the tray is filled, taking care to alternate the colors for a pleasant appearance.

3. Preparing the breadcrumb mixture: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the grated parmesan, chopped basil, and 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil. This mixture will add a delicious crust to your vegetables. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the vegetables in the tray.

4. Baking the vegetables: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the vegetables bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden and a crust begins to form on top. This is the perfect time to enjoy the aroma that will spread throughout the house!

5. Preparing the schnitzel: While the vegetables are baking, prepare the schnitzel. Beat the two eggs with salt and pepper in a bowl. In another bowl, place the flour, and in a third, the crushed cornflakes mixed with garlic powder and paprika. Dredge each piece of chicken breast first in flour, then in egg, and finally in the cornflake mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated.

6. Frying the schnitzel: In a deep skillet, heat the oil. When hot, fry the schnitzel on both sides until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Serving and combinations

Once the vegetables are baked and the schnitzel is ready, arrange everything on beautiful plates. You can garnish with fresh basil leaves for a more elegant appearance. This recipe is perfect for a summer meal, being both healthy and delicious.

Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine or mint tea to complete the holiday atmosphere. Additionally, a tzatziki sauce or a tomato and cucumber salad would go wonderfully with this dish.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I substitute mozzarella with another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use feta cheese or goat cheese for a more intense flavor.

2. What other vegetables can I add?
You can experiment with mushrooms, squash, or asparagus, depending on your preferences.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! You can omit the schnitzel and add more vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian dish.

4. Can I prepare the recipe in advance?
You can prepare the vegetables a day in advance and bake them before serving. The schnitzel is best freshly fried.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the variety of vegetables used. Zucchinis and eggplants are low in calories but high in fiber, making them ideal for a healthy diet. Chicken breast provides an excellent source of lean protein, while cheese adds calcium and healthy fats.

Conclusion

Mediterranean vegetables with crispy schnitzel are more than just a meal; they are an invitation to a rich culinary experience filled with flavors and colors. This recipe is simple yet impressive, and I am sure it will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy every bite and turn each meal into a special occasion!