Veal parmesan, a dish that has become synonymous with Italian-American cuisine, is a staple on menus across the United States. But have you ever stopped to think about the origins of this beloved dish? Why do they call it veal parmesan, and what’s the story behind its creation? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of veal parmesan, exploring its roots in Italian cuisine and its evolution into the dish we know and love today.
A Brief History of Veal in Italian Cuisine
To understand the origins of veal parmesan, it’s essential to look at the history of veal in Italian cuisine. Veal has been a staple in Italian cooking for centuries, particularly in the northern regions of Italy. The city of Milan, in particular, is famous for its veal dishes, including the iconic ossobuco, a braised veal shank dish that’s typically served with risotto.
In Italy, veal is often used in traditional dishes, such as vitello tonnato, a cold dish made with thinly sliced veal, tuna, and capers. Veal is also used in Italian cooking to make ragù, a meat-based pasta sauce that’s similar to Bolognese sauce.
The Origins of Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a type of hard, aged cheese that originates from the Parma region in Italy. The cheese has been produced in the region since the 13th century and is often referred to as the “King of Cheeses.”
Parmesan cheese is made from cow’s milk and is aged for a minimum of 12 months. The aging process gives the cheese its distinctive nutty flavor and crumbly texture. Parmesan cheese is often grated over pasta dishes, salads, and soups, and is a key ingredient in many Italian recipes.
The Evolution of Veal Parmesan
So, how did veal parmesan become a staple of Italian-American cuisine? The dish is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century, when Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions with them to America.
One story behind the creation of veal parmesan is that it was invented by Italian-American chefs in New York City’s Little Italy. The chefs, who were looking for a way to make veal more appealing to American diners, began breading and frying the meat, and then topping it with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
The dish quickly became popular in Italian-American restaurants across the United States, and its popularity was further boosted by the rise of Italian-American cuisine in the mid-20th century. Today, veal parmesan is a staple on menus in Italian restaurants across the United States, and is often served with pasta, garlic bread, and a side salad.
The Anatomy of a Veal Parmesan Dish
So, what makes a classic veal parmesan dish? Here are the key components:
- Breaded and fried veal cutlets: The veal cutlets are typically breaded with a mixture of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, and then fried until crispy and golden brown.
- <strong Marinara sauce: The marinara sauce is made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, and is simmered until thick and flavorful.
- Melted mozzarella cheese: The mozzarella cheese is melted on top of the veal cutlets, adding a creamy and rich texture to the dish.
- Parmesan cheese: The parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top of the dish, adding a salty and nutty flavor.
Veal Parmesan Variations
While traditional veal parmesan is a beloved dish, there are many variations that can be found in restaurants and cookbooks. Here are a few examples:
- Chicken parmesan: This variation uses chicken breasts instead of veal, and is often served with a side of pasta or garlic bread.
- Eggplant parmesan: This variation uses breaded and fried eggplant slices instead of veal, and is often served with a side of pasta or a green salad.
- Veal parmesan sandwiches: This variation uses breaded and fried veal cutlets on a sub roll, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
Conclusion
Veal parmesan is a classic dish that has become synonymous with Italian-American cuisine. Its origins date back to the early 20th century, when Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the United States. Today, veal parmesan is a staple on menus in Italian restaurants across the United States, and its popularity shows no signs of fading. Whether you’re a fan of traditional veal parmesan or prefer one of the many variations, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for Italian-American cuisine.
What is Veal Parmesan?
Veal Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish made with breaded and fried veal cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. The dish is typically served with pasta, a side of garlic bread, or as a sandwich. Veal Parmesan is a staple in many Italian restaurants and is often considered a comfort food.
The origins of Veal Parmesan are not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated in the southern region of Italy, where veal was a staple meat. The dish was likely brought to the United States by Italian immigrants, who adapted it to their new surroundings and tastes. Over time, Veal Parmesan has become a beloved dish in many parts of the world.
Why is it called Veal Parmesan?
The name “Veal Parmesan” comes from the Italian city of Parma, which is known for its rich culinary traditions. The dish is believed to have originated in the Parma region, where veal was a staple meat. The name “Parmesan” refers to the city of Parma, as well as the type of cheese that is often used in the dish, Parmesan cheese.
In Italy, the dish is often called “Cotoletta alla Parmigiana,” which translates to “cutlet in the style of Parma.” The name “Veal Parmesan” is an Americanized version of the Italian name, and it has become the standard term for the dish in the United States.
What is the difference between Veal Parmesan and Chicken Parmesan?
Veal Parmesan and Chicken Parmesan are two similar dishes that are often confused with each other. The main difference between the two dishes is the type of meat used. Veal Parmesan is made with veal cutlets, while Chicken Parmesan is made with breaded and fried chicken breasts.
In terms of taste and texture, Veal Parmesan is often considered to be more tender and delicate than Chicken Parmesan. Veal has a milder flavor than chicken, and it is often preferred by those who are looking for a more subtle taste. Chicken Parmesan, on the other hand, is often preferred by those who are looking for a heartier and more filling meal.
Is Veal Parmesan a traditional Italian dish?
Veal Parmesan is not a traditional Italian dish in the sense that it is not a dish that is commonly found in Italy. While veal is a staple meat in Italy, the dish that is known as Veal Parmesan in the United States is not typically found in Italian restaurants.
In Italy, there is a similar dish called “Cotoletta alla Milanese,” which is made with breaded and fried veal cutlets. However, this dish is not typically topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, which are the hallmarks of Veal Parmesan.
Why is Veal Parmesan often associated with Italian-American cuisine?
Veal Parmesan is often associated with Italian-American cuisine because it is a dish that was popularized by Italian immigrants who came to the United States. The dish is believed to have originated in the southern region of Italy, but it was adapted and modified by Italian immigrants who came to the United States.
In the United States, Veal Parmesan became a staple in many Italian-American restaurants, particularly in the Northeast. The dish was often served with pasta, a side of garlic bread, or as a sandwich, and it became a beloved comfort food in many parts of the country.
Can Veal Parmesan be made with other types of meat?
While Veal Parmesan is typically made with veal cutlets, it can also be made with other types of meat. Chicken and pork are two common substitutes for veal, and they can be used to make a similar dish.
In addition to chicken and pork, other types of meat such as beef and turkey can also be used to make a Veal Parmesan-style dish. However, the flavor and texture of the dish may be slightly different depending on the type of meat that is used.
Is Veal Parmesan a difficult dish to make?
Veal Parmesan is not a difficult dish to make, but it does require some skill and technique. The dish requires breading and frying the veal cutlets, which can be a bit tricky. Additionally, the dish requires making a marinara sauce and melting mozzarella cheese, which can also be a bit challenging.
However, with a little practice and patience, Veal Parmesan can be made at home with ease. There are also many recipes and cooking tips available online that can help to make the dish easier to make.