Exquisite Venezuelan Milanesas: A Gourmet Delight from Latin America

Discover the exquisite flavors of Venezuela with this delightful dish, Venezuelan Milanesas. This traditional Latin American dish features tenderized meat that is breaded and fried to golden perfection, creating a crispy outer layer while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. Typically served with a side of rice, salad, or mashed potatoes, it’s a mouthwatering meal that brings the rich culinary heritage of Venezuela right to your table.

Ingredients:- 4 thin cuts of beef or chicken (you can use veal or pork as well)- 2 cups bread crumbs- 1 cup all-purpose flour- 2 eggs- 1/4 cup milk- Salt and pepper to taste- 1 tsp garlic powder- 1 tsp onion powder- 1 tsp paprika- Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the meat:** - Pound the meat slices with a meat mallet to make them thinner and more tender. - Season the meat on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

2. **Set up a breading station:** - Place the flour on a large plate. - In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs and then mix in the milk. - Spread the bread crumbs on another large plate.

3. **Bread the meat:** - Dredge each piece of meat first in the flour, shaking off any excess. - Dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. - Finally, press it into the bread crumbs, ensuring an even coating on both sides. Repeat this process for all the meat slices.

4. **Fry the milanesas:** - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan about 1/4 inch deep. - Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a few bread crumbs into the oil – if they sizzle, it’s ready), carefully place the breaded meat slices into the skillet. - Fry each slice for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. - Remove the milanesas from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

5. **Serve:** - Serve the Venezuelan Milanesas hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes such as rice, salad, or mashed potatoes.

Enjoy the exquisite taste and crispy texture of this traditional Venezuelan Milanesas dish, a true testament to the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Latin America!