Schnitzengruben Recipe

Jennifer Segal

16 May, 2024

Indulge in our Schnitzengruben recipe – a crispy symphony of German flavors! Follow our easy steps for a mouthwatering culinary adventure.

Schnitzengruben

Publisher: Recipe Volt
Cuisine: German
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 600 calories

About Ingredients Instructions Video Servings Tips Substitutes

"Schnitzengruben" is a term that gained pop culture recognition through its humorous use in the movie "Blazing Saddles." However, in reality, it doesn't have a specific culinary meaning.

The term "schnitzel" typically refers to a breaded and fried meat cutlet, often associated with German cuisine. On the other hand, "gruben" doesn't have a clear culinary association but sounds similar to the German word "Grube," which translates to pit or trench.

So, while "schnitzengruben" might not have a formal existence in traditional German culinary lexicon, it has become a whimsical reference, sparking curiosity and a sense of humor. In the context of the movie, it serves as a comical and fictional dish name.

When it comes to making a schnitzengruben sandwich, people often associate it with a hearty combination of breaded and fried meat, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut on rye bread. It reflects the essence of German flavors, resembling a classic schnitzel sandwich.

The charm of schnitzengruben lies not only in its potential as a hearty and flavorful sandwich but also in its cultural reference and the lighthearted humor associated with its name. It serves as a quirky reminder of the intersection of culinary creativity and entertainment, making it a fun topic for those who appreciate both good food and a good laugh.

Recipe

Embark on a culinary journey with our irresistible Schnitzengruben recipe! Discover the secrets to a crispy, flavor-packed German delight. Let's dive in!

Ingredients

4 thin slices of beef or pork (about ¼ inch thick)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
8 slices of rye bread
8 slices of Swiss cheese
1 cup sauerkraut, drained

Method Instructions

Place each slice of meat between plastic wrap and pound them until about ⅛ inch thick.
Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Set up three shallow dishes. One with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
Dredge each slice of meat in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the meat.
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Fry the coated meat slices until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Toast the rye bread slices.
On four slices of bread, layer a slice of Swiss cheese, a portion of sauerkraut, and a schnitzengruben slice.
Top with another slice of Swiss cheese and cover with the remaining bread slices.
Optionally, you can grill the assembled sandwiches for a couple of minutes on each side until the cheese melts.
Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately. Pair it with your favorite side, like potato salad or pickles.

This schnitzengruben recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining crispy meat with the tanginess of sauerkraut and the richness of Swiss cheese. Perfect for a hearty meal!

Recipe Video

Schnitzengruben

This is a video about Schnitzengruben.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 56 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Schnitzengruben, Schnitzengruben Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Serving schnitzengruben is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Once you've prepared the sandwiches, follow these steps for a delightful presentation:

Plating: Place each schnitzengruben sandwich on a clean and stylish plate. Ensure that the plate is large enough to accommodate the sandwich halves.
Garnish: Consider adding a touch of freshness to the plate with a side salad or some fresh herbs for garnish. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also complements the hearty flavors of the sandwich.
Accompaniments: Serve schnitzengruben with traditional German sides like potato salad, pickles, or even a dollop of mustard. These sides add depth to the meal and balance the richness of the sandwich.
Cut in Halves: Before serving, you might want to cut the schnitzengruben sandwiches in halves diagonally. This not only makes them easier to handle but also exposes the layers of meat, cheese, and sauerkraut, creating an inviting presentation.
Serve Warm: Schnitzengruben is best enjoyed warm. If you've grilled the assembled sandwiches, make sure to serve them promptly to retain the crispiness of the bread and the gooeyness of the melted cheese.
Beverage Pairing: Consider pairing schnitzengruben with a German beer or a refreshing beverage of your choice. The effervescence of the drink complements the savory flavors of the sandwich.

Tips

Meat Preparation: For tender schnitzengruben, ensure your meat slices are pounded uniformly thin. This not only helps with even cooking but also contributes to the sandwich's overall texture.
Breading Technique: When breading the meat, press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the surface. This ensures a crispy coating and prevents it from falling off during frying.
Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature when frying. Aim for around 350-375°F (175-190°C). This helps achieve a golden-brown crust without overcooking the meat.
Drying Excess Oil: After frying, place the schnitzengruben on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. This step keeps the sandwich from becoming overly greasy.
Bread Choice: Opt for quality rye bread to complement the flavors. A sturdy bread holds up well to the hearty components of the schnitzengruben.
Cheese Melt: If you're grilling the assembled sandwiches for melting the cheese, keep an eye on them. A quick grill ensures the cheese is gooey without making the bread too crispy.
Creative Additions: Feel free to get creative with additional toppings. Some people enjoy adding a bit of mustard, horseradish, or even a fried egg for extra flavor.
Side Pairings: Consider pairing schnitzengruben with sides like German potato salad, coleslaw, or pickles. These sides complement the sandwich and offer a well-rounded meal.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh sauerkraut for a vibrant and crisp texture. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can rinse the sauerkraut before using it.
Serve Promptly: Schnitzengruben is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. Serve it warm to savor the delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredient Substitutes

Also, if you need to make substitutions for some ingredients in the schnitzengruben recipe, here are a few options:

Meat: You can substitute beef or pork with chicken or turkey cutlets for a lighter version. Ensure they are pounded thin for even cooking.
Flour: If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular flour. It provides a similar crispy texture.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs can be a good substitute if you want an extra crunch. Whole wheat breadcrumbs are also a healthier alternative.
Cheese: While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like Gruyère or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Bread: Rye bread is classic, but you can try whole grain bread or even a hearty sourdough for a unique twist.
Sauerkraut: If you're not a fan of sauerkraut, consider using coleslaw or thinly sliced cabbage for a fresh crunch. You can lightly pickle the cabbage for a tangy kick.
Oil for Frying: Vegetable oil is commonly used, but you can substitute it with canola oil, sunflower oil, or even peanut oil based on your preference.
Side Pairings: Get creative with side pairings. Instead of traditional German sides, try sweet potato fries, a mixed green salad, or roasted vegetables.