Read by Michael Flamel

Ah, let me regale you with a tale of our recent culinary escapade in London, where we stumbled upon a delightful fusion of flavors that left my taste buds dancing with joy. Picture this: me, a fervent lover of all things schnitzel, wandering the charming streets of London in search of a meal that would tantalize my senses in new and unexpected ways. Little did I know, my quest would lead me to a quaint little eatery with a truly unique take on the classic dish.

Now, I’ve always had a soft spot for schnitzel, ever since my first bite of the traditional German version many moons ago. Since then, I’ve gallivanted across Europe, sampling variations from Italy to France, each one leaving its own delicious imprint on my palate. So, when I heard whispers of a chicken schnitzel unlike any I’d ever encountered, my curiosity was piqued, to say the least.

Upon entering the cozy restaurant, I was greeted by the tantalizing aroma of sizzling chicken and the warm buzz of chatter from fellow diners. As I perused the menu, my eyes locked onto a dish that promised to be a game-changer: chicken schnitzel served with fresh garden greens and a light vinaigrette dressing. A fusion of British, French, and Hungarian influences, this creation sounded too intriguing to resist.

With eager anticipation, I placed my order and waited with bated breath. And let me tell you, dear reader, when the dish arrived at my table, it was nothing short of a masterpiece. The chicken schnitzel, perfectly golden and crispy, was a symphony of flavors and textures, while the vibrant assortment of fresh garden greens provided a refreshing contrast that elevated the dish to new heights.

But enough with the theatrics, you must be itching to recreate this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen! Fear not, for I shall impart upon you the sacred recipe, so that you too may experience the sheer delight of chicken schnitzel with fresh garden greens.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Mixed garden greens (such as lettuce, arugula, spinach, and watercress)

For the vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan until they are about 1/4 inch thick.
• Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in one dish, the beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumbs seasoned with salt and pepper in the third.
• Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
• Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the vinaigrette until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• To serve, arrange a generous handful of mixed garden greens on each plate. Top with a golden chicken schnitzel and drizzle with the prepared vinaigrette.
• Enjoy your culinary creation with a glass of crisp, refreshing cider or a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc for the perfect accompaniment to this delightful dish.

And there you have it, my friends! A tantalizing twist on the classic chicken schnitzel that is sure to impress even the most discerning palate. So go forth, whip up a batch of this delectable dish, and let your taste buds embark on a culinary adventure they won’t soon forget! Cheers to good food, good company, and the joy of discovery!