Argentina is well known for its Asado (BBQ/steak) and Empanadas. But Argentineans - both grownups and kids - love their Milanesa (fried bread meat) so much… that there is even a “Milanesa Day” in Argentina! (May 3). The origin of the Milanesa traces back to Italy - Italy’s “Cotoletta,” also known as Veal Milanese - due to Argentina’s Italian influence. The “Milanesa Napolitana” is an Argentinean take on the classic Milanesa. This dish had a humble and funny beginning in Buenos Aires in the 1950s. A restaurant owner by the name of Don José Nápoli offered Milanesa to his customers back then. According to the legend, they overcooked their last Milanesa of the night, and to “save” that Milanesa, Don Nápoli decided to add tomato, ham, and melted cheese on top of the chicken cutlet. That “mistake” became one of the most emblematic dishes of Argentina (another fun fact: it’s Leo Messi’s favorite food!).
We will serve this dish with oven-roasted potatoes and salsa criolla, a tomato/onion/garlic sauce that Argentineans love to accompany grilled meat. Once you try it, you’ll understand why!
Ingredients: Chicken breast, ham, panko, mozzarella, potatoes, tomato, scallion, bell pepper, red onions, white onions, garlic, egg, oregano, white vinegar, salt, pepper.