Veal Parmesan is a classic Italian dish made with breaded veal cutlets smothered in tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. A serving of Veal Parmesan typically contains 1130 calories, making it one of the heartiest meals on the menu.
Veal Parmesan is a rich source of protein and iron, but it should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie and fat content.
In this article, we'll explore how to prepare Veal Parmesan, its nutritional information, health benefits and possible risks, alternative dishes, and tips for making it healthier.
What is Veal Parmesan?
Veal Parmesan is a delectable Italian dish that consists of fried, breaded veal cutlets covered in tomato sauce and cheese. It is a hearty meal generally served with pasta or vegetables. The dish is also known as Veal Parmigiana or Veal Parmigiano, and it is a popular choice in many Italian-American restaurants.
How is Veal Parmesan Prepared?
To prepare Veal Parmesan, you will need to start by preparing the meat. The veal cutlets should be pounded thin and breaded with a mixture of flour, eggs and breadcrumbs. Next, the cutlets should be fried in oil until they are golden brown. Once the cutlets have been cooked, they are topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. The dish is then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
A serving of Veal Parmesan contains approximately 1130 calories, 70 grams of fat, and 36 grams of carbohydrates. It is also a rich source of protein and iron, providing about 62 grams of protein and 7.5 milligrams of iron per serving. While veal can be a healthy option for meat lovers, it is important to keep in mind that Veal Parmesan is a high-calorie and high-fat meal that should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
What are the Health Benefits of Veal Parmesan?
Veal is a lean protein that can help build and repair muscles. It is also an excellent source of iron, which helps to transport oxygen throughout the body. In addition to being a good source of protein and iron, Veal Parmesan also contains vitamin A and calcium from the tomato sauce and cheese. However, due to its high calorie and fat content, it is important to consume Veal Parmesan in moderation and balance it with other nutrient-dense foods.
What are the Risks of Consuming Veal Parmesan?
While Veal Parmesan can be a delicious meal option, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie and fat content. Consuming too much saturated and trans fats can contribute to high cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, if you are sensitive to dairy or gluten, you may want to avoid Veal Parmesan as it contains cheese and breadcrumbs.
What are the Alternative Dishes for Veal Parmesan?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to Veal Parmesan, you could try making it with chicken or eggplant instead. Both options provide a lower calorie and fat content than veal. You could also try other Italian dishes, such as pasta with marinara sauce or minestrone soup.
How to Make Veal Parmesan Healthier?
To make Veal Parmesan healthier, you could try using less cheese and tomato sauce. You could also use whole wheat breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of white flour to make it lower in carbohydrates. To add more vegetables to the dish, you could serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables. Alternatively, you could make a vegetarian version of the dish with eggplant or tofu instead of veal.
What are the Best Places to Order Veal Parmesan?
Veal Parmesan is a popular dish in many Italian-American restaurants. Some of the best places to order Veal Parmesan include Olive Garden, Maggiano's Little Italy, and Carrabba's Italian Grill. You could also try local Italian restaurants in your area, or make it at home using fresh ingredients and your own homemade tomato sauce and breadcrumbs.
Are there any Vegetarian Versions of Veal Parmesan?
Yes, there are vegetarian versions of Veal Parmesan that use eggplant or tofu instead of veal. These options provide a healthy, meatless alternative to the traditional dish. To make a vegetarian version of Veal Parmesan, simply use thinly-sliced eggplant or tofu in place of the veal cutlets. Follow the same breading and frying process, and top with tomato sauce and cheese before baking in the oven.
Can you Store and Reheat Veal Parmesan?
Yes, you can store and reheat Veal Parmesan leftovers. Store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F and place the Veal Parmesan in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Veal Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is hearty and flavorful. While it should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie and fat content, it can provide a rich source of protein, iron, and other nutrients when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
5 FAQ about Veal Parmesan
What is Veal Parmesan?
Veal Parmesan is an Italian-American dish made from pounded and breaded veal cutlets, fried and then topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. It is typically served with spaghetti or another type of pasta.
What is the nutritional content of Veal Parmesan?
A serving of Veal Parmesan typically contains around 1130 calories, 78g of fat, 58g of carbohydrates, and 54g of protein. It also contains a significant amount of sodium and cholesterol.
Is Veal Parmesan healthy?
While Veal Parmesan can be a tasty treat, it is not considered a healthy dish. It is high in calories, fat, sodium, and cholesterol, which can all contribute to health problems if consumed in excess.
Can Veal Parmesan be made healthier?
There are ways to make Veal Parmesan healthier by using lean cuts of veal or even substituting the meat with chicken or turkey. Baking or grilling the cutlets instead of frying them can also significantly reduce the fat content.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Veal Parmesan?
Veal Parmesan is typically served with spaghetti or another type of pasta, but it can also be paired with a variety of vegetables or salads. Some good options include roasted asparagus, a Caesar salad, or garlic bread.