Milanesa
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Milanesas (plural) are a common meat dish in Argentina, later adopted by Uruguay and Paraguay (mainly due to their great meat production) as well as in other Latin American countries, such as Mexico and Brazil, where breaded meat filet preparations are known as a milanesa (Beef,bife a milanesa chicken, frango a milanesa, in Portuguese).
Milanesas are similar to Central European Wiener Schnitzel and derive their name from the original cotoletta alla milanese from Milan, Italy.
A milanesa consists of a thin slice of beef, or sometimes chicken or veal. Each slice is dipped into beaten eggs, seasoned with salt, and other condiments according to the cook's taste (like parsley and garlic). Each slice is then dipped in breadcrumbs (or occasionally flour) and shallow-fried in oil, one at a time. Some people prefer to use very little oil and then cook them in the oven as a healthier alternative.
In Mexico it is commonly eaten in a torta , that is a sandwich made with bolillo buns or telera buns . Avocado, onion, chiles and refried beans are commonly added, and in Northern Baja (due to American influence), it features lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise like a traditional sandwich. A milanesa "Memela napolitana" is made with a thick fried tortilla with a milanesa on top, with ham pieces, tomato sauce and grated cheese. In Mexico milanesa usually refers to the preparation method, any type of meat that is pounded thin, breaded and fried might be referred to as a milanesa. While eating milanesa in a sandwich is most common, it might be served as a main course as well.
In Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, frequently milanesas are served hot with fried or mashed potatoes, this dish is known as milanesa con papas. They are often used as a sandwich filling, with salad. Lemon juice is also commonly used as a seasoning. They are a common snack and popular with young people. Their low cost and simple preparation make milanesas a popular meal for all classes of society, and practically a staple item in every restaurant.
By adding tomato paste, mozzarella cheese and sometimes ham, Argentines created a dish called "Milanesa Napolitana" (Neapolitan Milanese). "Neapolitan" was taken from "Neapolitan Pizza", which has these ingredients, but results in a peculiar name since "Neapolitan" means "from Naples" and "Milanesa" means "from Milano", thus generating a demonym oxymoron.
