Piccata

The delectable dish Piccata is a unique Italian classic that is characterized by its succulent flavors and hearty texture. The dish is made by lightly pounding a veal loin cutlet, dredging it in a flour-based coating, browning it in a pan, and then deglazing the pan with a combination of white wine and lemon juice. After this, the veal is served with a sauce made from the pan drippings, capers, and butter.

Piccata


Piccata's flavor profile can be described as savory, tangy, and complex. The veal itself is tender and juicy when cooked correctly, while the sauce adds a robust richness to the dish. The addition of capers cuts through any heaviness with its mild briny notes. When juxtaposed with the tartness of the lemon juice, the overall taste is bright and balanced.

Overall, Piccata has become an enduring favorite as a result of its piquant flavor and ease of preparation. It could easily become a go-to in any cook's repertoire of dishes. Though relatively simple, the dish still manages to elicit oohs and ahhs, thanks to its brilliant culinary execution. Bon appetit!

Piccata recipes

Amazing Piccata recipes sourced from the web.

The origin of Piccata

Ah, the piccata. A delicious, if not a bit eccentric, dish hailing from the heart of northern Italy.

It has been said that the piccata derives its name from the Italian word "piccata," which translates loosely to “piquant” or “pungent.” The theory follows that the piccata was borne out of a desire to add piquancy and flavor to otherwise bland meats. This is thought to be the reason why the dish is usually served with either capers or anchovies, two distinctly salty ingredients known for their potent flavors.

That being said, there is also conjecture that the dish was inspired by the French Poulet Farcie aux Champignons, a recipe for chicken stuffed with mushrooms and herbs. This recipe was featured in the beloved Italian cookbook Scienza in Cucina e l'Arte di Mangiar Bene (The Science of Cooking and the Art of Eating Well). So while it may be impossible to pinpoint the exact origins of the piccata - after all, ideas and recipes are always evolving over time - it is clear that the recipes traditional Italian roots had a lasting footprint on the contemporary dish we know and love today.

In modern times, the piccata is enjoyed across the globe, often served as an appetizer or side dish. It is typically prepared by sautéing thin slices of chicken, veal, pork, or fish in a sauce of lemon, butter, and white wine or broth. Due to its strong flavoring, the piccata tends to appeal to those who prefer bold and flavorful dishes.

No matter where it comes from, the piccata will continue to tantalize taste buds as one of Italy’s most beloved dishes. Fragrant and succulent, this dish is sure to remain a staple on Italian dining tables for years to come.

FAQs about Piccata

What does piccata mean in Italy?

In Italian, piccata (pronounced "pee-KAH-tah") means “sliced” or “pounded,” and is often used to refer to a dish of pounded, thinly sliced meat, most typically veal, that is sautéed and served in a lemon-butter sauce.


What is piccata sauce made of?

Piccata sauce is traditionally made from butter, lemon juice, and capers. Other ingredients such as white wine, garlic, anchovies, parsley, and shallots can also be added for extra flavor.


What is the difference between chicken piccata and chicken piccata?

Chicken piccata is a dish that originated in Italy and consists of chicken breast sautéed in butter with capers, lemon, and white wine. Chicken piccata typically has a light, tangy flavor from the addition of lemon juice and capers.

Chicken piccata on the other hand is a variant of the original dish that has been adapted to suit, often American, tastes. It usually contains additional ingredients such as cream, garlic, and even artichoke hearts. This variation tends to be richer and creamier than the classic version.


What is the difference between scallopini and piccata?

Scaloppini is a classic Italian dish made with thinly sliced meat, usually veal, that is pounded to an even thickness and dredged in flour before being seared or sautéed in butter. Popular variations of scaloppini include Marsala, Milanese, Parmigiana, and Valdostana.

Piccata is an Italian dish made with thinly sliced meat, usually veal, that is dredged in flour and then sautéed in a lemon-butter sauce. Popular variations of piccata include capers, white wine, and herbs like parsley and rosemary.


Types of Piccata

Piccata is a classic Italian dish that is beloved around the world. The origins of the traditional preparation can be traced all the way back to Milan in the 18th century, but today there are many delicious variations. Whether you’re looking to recreate the classic Milanese recipe or experiment with interesting new flavors, read on to find out more about all the different types of piccata dishes.

The classic Milanese Piccata is made with veal cutlets, butter, white wine and lemon juice. The veal is usually tenderized with a mallet before being lightly floured and fried to achieve a golden and crisp exterior. The butter and lemon create a savory and tart combination that pairs perfectly with the unique flavor of the veal. This combination also allows for a variety of flavorful sauces to be created.

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous there is also Chicken Piccata. It features chicken breast instead of veal and is served with a more robust sauce. The chicken is pounded to a uniform thickness and then floured and fried. After this, garlic, capers and lemon are added to create a zesty and complex flavor profile.

For a more health-conscious take on the dish, you can try Fish Piccata. Here, light and flaky white fish like cod or haddock are used in place of the veal or chicken. The traditional butter sauce is replaced with a lighter, more health-friendly oil blend, but the other ingredients remain the same. Usually, a mixture of olive oil and vegetable oil is used, but individual chefs may add their own personal touches.

Finally, the vegetarian version of Piccata is known as Eggplant Piccata. Here, slices of eggplant are dredged in a light coating of flour and fried until golden. The eggplant is then tossed with a flavorful sauce of capers, lemon, and garlic, creating an equally complex and satisfying dish.

No matter which variation of Piccata you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable dining experience. Try any of these unique recipes for an exquisite Italian meal everyone is sure to love!