There are a variety of cutlets; let us know about:
1. Vegetable Cutlet:
Vegetable cutlets are not just for vegans! These crispy, flavorful patties are a delicious treat for everyone. Roasted or fried until golden brown, the exterior delivers a satisfying crunch. The key is to cook them on low heat for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Inside, finely mashed vegetables like carrots, beans, potatoes, cauliflower, and beetroot create a soft and moist texture. Marinated with spices, chilli flakes, and herbs, these cutlets are packed with flavour. The gram flour coating brings the patty together. These cutlets are mostly shallow-fried on low heat so that they evenly cook from all sides. It is mostly served with green chutney or chilli sauce. It can also be used as a filling inside a bun.
Video Credit: YouTube/ Chef Ranveer Brar
2. Chicken Cutlet:
The flavours and textures of chicken cutlets are savoury and well-balanced. The outside, which is frequently crisp and golden, gives a delightful crunch while biting into it. There's a delicious, luscious centre made of soft, seasoned chicken underneath this crispy layer. Mostly boneless and keema chickens are used in the process. The overall taste is enhanced by the combination of herbs and spices, which add a rich and well-rounded flavour profile.
Given a flat shape and coated with bread crumbs and corn flour slurry and deep-fried or shallow-fried as per need. A well-made chicken cutlet is a popular and delicious option in many different cuisines. It embodies the perfect balance of a crispy coating, supple meat, and a savoury blend of seasonings, whether it is eaten on its own or stacked between a bun.
3. Fish cutlet:
The flavour and texture combination of fish cutlets is simply delicious. The flavour is savoury and evenly seasoned, bringing out the fish's inherent flavours. The texture is a lovely contrast, with the inside boasting a moist texture along with the seasonings and a flaky feel from the mashed potatoes and fish removing their spiky bones, and the exterior being crisp as coated with bread crumbs, fried till golden brown and mostly flattened.
Herbs and spices are examples of seasonings that improve the overall flavour profile and provide a savoury and fulfilling dish. Fish cutlets present the diversity of seafood in a delectable and approachable format, whether they are served as appetisers along with some chutneys or in sandwiches.
4. Paneer Cutlet:
The amazing combination of taste, texture, and flavour is evident in paneer cutlets for vegetarians. The Indian cottage cheese, or paneer, gives the cutlet a subtle, creamy flavour. That's the magic of paneer cutlets! Tender paneer is mashed, seasoned with aromatic spices like cumin and coriander, and mixed with chopped vegetables for a hint of texture. This flavourful mixture is shaped into patties, dipped in a crispy gram flour batter, and shallow-fried until golden brown. The result? A delightful contrast of textures: a crunchy exterior giving way to a creamy, spiced interior. Usually served with mint chutney or tamarind sauce, these vegetarian gems are perfect as a snack, appetiser, or even a light meal.
5. Egg Cutlet:
Egg cutlets offer a balanced blend of flavours and textures. The exterior layer, often a crunchy breadcrumb coating, provides a pleasing crunch, while the centre reveals a tender and well-seasoned blend of mashed eggs, veggies, and spices shaped flat. The richness of the eggs balances the savoury, subtly spicy flavour of the other ingredients. The entire flavour profile is enhanced with aromatic spices like coriander and cumin, which give each mouthful a savoury texture and flavour. Egg cutlets can be used as a side dish or snack in a variety of culinary settings because of their adaptability and delicious blend with whatever is paired with them, like chutney or sandwiched in buns.
6. Soy Cutlet:
Soy cutlets are also a great option for vegans because they provide a delicious combination of flavours. The soy chunks or granules in the combination give it a savoury, slightly nutty flavour. The texture is a satisfying blend of a delicate, protein-rich centre and a crispy outside that can be obtained by shallow or deep frying crumb coated outside. The flavour profile is enhanced by the inclusion of herbs and spices in the marinated alog with the soy and boiled veggies, which elevates the whole experience. These soy cutlets, which are frequently cooked with breadcrumbs and mashed potatoes, have a nice texture that makes them a favourite among people looking for a plant-based, high-protein snack that tastes savoury and healthy. They can be served in multiple ways, as a snack with chutneys or with other dishes as well.
7. Green Pea Cutlet:
The green pea cutlets are delightful and a great option for vegans. A savoury richness is infused by the inclusion of spices like cumin and coriander, which complement the sweet and earthy taste of the mashed green peas. The texture is a pleasing combination of the slightly crunchy breadcrumbs that act as a binder and the smoothness of the mashed peas. Frying brings out the golden crispness of the outside in a pleasing contrast to the tender inside. The cutlets are a delicious snack alternative with a well-balanced interplay of flavours and textures since they frequently exude a fresh and vivid aroma.
8. Crispy Corn Cutlet:
A delicious blend of flavours is found in crispy corn cutlets. The crisp comes from the crumb coat, which is fried till the exterior is golden and crispy, making a pleasing contrast with the soft and tasty inside. The savoury and sweet flavour of the maize is enhanced by the addition of flavourful spices to the cutlets. The cutlets get a boost of zest and freshness when they are served with sour and sweet tamarind sauce or mint chutney. This appetiser is a well-liked and delicious option for a variety of events since it exhibits a pleasing blend of crispiness, tenderness, and a well-rounded flavour profile.
9. Crab Cutlets:
Crab cutlets are a treat for seafood snacking. A tasty and savoury filling is created by combining aromatic spices and herbs with the juicy crab meat. It is a bit tougher to prepare but the outcome is pleasing. With their crunchy breadcrumb covering, the cutlets have a delicious crunch on the exterior and a soft, juicy inside.
These cutlets make a big impression when paired with a spicy dipping sauce, like sweet chilli sauce or tart aioli. This dish is a delicious culinary delight because of the harmonic balance of textures and flavours created by the contrast between the crispy outside and the succulent crab interior.