Healthier Pork Schnitzel with German-Style Green Beans

I see you snickering over there. But schnitzel doesn’t have to be greasy and full of processed bread crumbs and flour. Honest! Try making your own whole wheat bread crumbs (we used Arnold Dutch Country 100% Whole Wheat because of its smooth texture.) And pass up the typical oils or lard for frying and try healthy grapeseed oil. Throw in some German-style green beans and dinner is served. It’s decadent and you won’t feel guilty after indulging!

Healthier Pork Schnitzel with German-Style Green Beans

Adapted from simplyrecipes.com

4 boneless pork chops (1 pound total), 1/2 inch thick

¼ cup flour (Anyone want to try whole wheat flour? We used all-purpose as it was onhand.)

1 teaspoon seasoned salt (Spike, Lawrey's, Penzeys or just substitute plain salt)

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 egg, beaten

2 tbsp milk

¾ cup homemade whole wheat bread crumbs

¼ cup Panko bread crumbs

1 tsp paprika

3 tbsp grapeseed oil

Use a meat hammer to pound the pork cutlets to 1/4-1/8 inch thickness. Cut small slits around the edges of the cutlets to prevent curling.

Set out 3 shallow bowls – one with a mixture of the flour, seasoned salt, and pepper. The second with the egg and milk whisked together. The third with a mixture of the bread crumbs, Panko and paprika.

Heat the grapeseed oil in a large skillet on medium high heat. Dredge the cutlets first in the seasoned flour, then dip the cutlets in the egg mixture, and then into the mixture of bread crumbs and paprika.

Working in batches, sauté the cutlets for 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove the cutlets from the skillet and cover with foil or place in a warm oven to keep warm.

We always eat schnitzels with slices of lemon on top. While living in Germany, I learned to use the tines of a fork to press down on the sliced lemon, pushing the juice into the schnitzel. Since I’m a maniac with a lemon wedge, this works out well for everyone involved as no one runs shrieking from the table with lemon juice in their eyes.

German-Style Green Beans

1 pound fresh green beans

4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped (We can’t get enough of Kunzler products.)

1 yellow onion, chopped finely

½ tbsp granulated sugar

1/4 cup cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Cook fresh beans in a little salted water until tender.  Drain beans and reserve about ¾ cup of the cooking liquid.

Sauté bacon and onion over medium heat until bacon is cooked and onion has lightly browned. Add bean liquid and cook until liquid has reduced to ¼ cup. Add sugar, vinegar, beans and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until warmed through.

For a printable version of this recipe, please click here.