Hearty Schnitzel with Flavorful Bigos and Crispy Roasted Potatoes
Embark on a culinary journey with this classic German dish. Tender schnitzel meets the smoky, spicy aroma of bigos, perfectly complemented by golden-brown roasted potatoes. A feast that warms both body and soul, you'll love every bite of this comforting meal.
Preparation
30 min.
Cook / Bake
75 min.
Servings
4
Calories
780 kcal
Ingredients
for 4 servingsAmounts are automatically adjusted.
For the Schnitzel
- 4 slicesPork schnitzel
- 0.5 cupAll-purpose flour
- 2 largeEggs
- 1 cupBreadcrumbs
- 1 tspSalt(to taste)
- 1 tspBlack pepper(to taste)
- 0.5 cupVegetable oil(for frying)
For the Bigos
- 1 lbSauerkraut
- 0.5 lbSmoked sausage(like kielbasa, sliced)
- 0.25 lbBacon(diced)
- 1 mediumOnion(chopped)
- 2 clovesGarlic(minced)
- 1 cupBeef broth
- 0.5 tspCaraway seeds
- 1 tspSmoked paprika
- 1 tspSalt(to taste)
- 1 tspBlack pepper(to taste)
- 2 lbPotatoes(e.g., Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 3 tbspOlive oil
- 1 tspSalt(to taste)
- 1 tspBlack pepper(to taste)
- 1 tbspFresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Bigos: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Set bacon aside.
Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add sliced smoked sausage to the pot and cook until lightly browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the sauerkraut (drained), beef broth, caraway seeds, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and let it cook for at least 30-45 minutes, or longer for deeper flavor, stirring occasionally.
Prepare the Roasted Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Prepare the Schnitzel: While the bigos and potatoes are cooking, prepare the schnitzel. Pound each pork slice thin (about 1/4 inch thick) between two sheets of plastic wrap. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Set up a breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in a second, and breadcrumbs in a third. Dredge each schnitzel slice in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the breaded schnitzel into the skillet (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding).
Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve: Divide the warm bigos, crispy roasted potatoes, and schnitzel among plates. Garnish the bigos with the reserved crispy bacon and the potatoes with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy your hearty German feast!
💡 Tipp
Varianten
- Add a dried porcini mushroom or a bay leaf to the bigos for deeper flavor.
- A touch of apple cider vinegar at the end of cooking can brighten the bigos' flavor.
Ersatz & Alternativen
- For schnitzel, chicken or turkey cutlets can be used instead of pork.
- Vegetable broth can substitute beef broth in the bigos if preferred, though it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Aufbewahrung
Leftover bigos and roasted potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Schnitzel is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for 1-2 days and reheated gently to maintain crispness.
Einfrieren
Bigos freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop. Schnitzel and roasted potatoes are not ideal for freezing as they lose their texture.
Nutrition per serving
Calories
780 kcal
Protein
55 g
Carbohydrates
60 g
Fat
38 g
Fiber
10 g
Recipe on TomTaste: https://tomtaste.com/recipe/hearty-schnitzel-with-flavorful-bigos-and-crispy-roasted-potatoes
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