There's no dish more comforting than veal parmigiana. Thin cutlets of veal are breaded and fried, topped with thick, red tomato sauce and a melty, stringy layer of provolone or mozzarella cheese, and sprinkled with a shower of grated parmigiano. Drooling yet? We just decided what you're making for dinner.
You can throw it on a hero bun for a heavy, wonderful sandwich, or eat it next to a big pile spaghetti. Keep some extra tomato sauce on hand for dipping/dunking. These applications of veal parm are truly Italian-American, though the dish actually did originate in Italy, unlike many Italian-American favorites.
Eggplant parmigiana originated in the south of Italy, and melanzane alla parmigiana is a canonical part of the down-home cuisine of the South. It's made quite differently in Italy, with only a slight breading and frying and a little sprinkle of mozzarella and parmigiano cheeses. It's served in a light tomato sauce.
In America, in Little Italies around the country, the dish evolved along with the Italian culture of children of Italian immigrants. It's heavily breaded and fried until super-crispy, and the light tomato sauce evolved to be a thick, potent red sauce that we know today. We also added much, much more cheese, of course. Meats like veal and chicken were also given the parmigiana treatment stateside - it's uncommon to see any meats prepared in this way in Italy.
The hefty portions of parmigiana are also an American change to the dish. "Immigrant cooks, most of whom came from dire poverty, took pride in being able to feed family and friends sumptuously on the kinds of foods they couldn't afford back home," said John Mariani, a food writer and lover of Italian-American cuisine. Cheese was used as a star ingredient instead of an accent, because in America, it was affordable.
Whether you want to make eggplant parmigiana the classic Italian way or go full Italian-American and make a veal parm sandwich, make one of them this week. They're sure to delight your tastebuds.
This recipe for veal parmigiana will warm your soul and set you onto the couch for the rest of the evening.
This recipe for eggplant parmigiana is the perfect compromise for someone trying to stay trim but who wants a hearty, homestyle Italian dinner.
