Cutlets have achieved a special place on the table as a beloved evening snack accompanied by a cup of hot tea. Whenever people recall the age-old snacks that ruled the palate, cutlets come to mind. This snack has been passed on from generation to generation.
Cutlets are versatile and meet the preferences of both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. You can have cutlets made of chicken, fish, and veggies. They have a soft interior and crispy exterior, one of the reasons why people love cutlets. However, the only bad reputation these cutlets have is that they are low in nutrition and are typically deep-fried. They are high in fats with the heavy use of oil. Thus, owing to this reason, many people who are managing their weight omit the intake of cutlets. But fear not!
With simple tweaks and tricks, you can transform your favourite snack into a healthy one. Take a look at some of the tips that can come in handy.
- Choose Lean Protein
If you want to make healthier cutlets, skip the use of fatty meats like beef, and pork and use lean meats like chicken breasts, turkey, fish, or legumes like lentils and chickpeas. As they are lower in saturated fats and calories, these lean proteins when used in cutlets make them healthier. Moreover, ensure to cut down on any visible fat before cooking to further reduce the fat content.
- Incorporate More Veggies
Make your cutlets more nutritious with the addition of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Thus, make use of vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, beetroot, broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Finely chop or grate them and mix them with the protein base. Apart from the nutritional profile, these veggies also add moisture and flavour.
- Opt For Healthier Breadcrumbs
Cutlets are well coated with breadcrumbs before frying them in oil. The breadcrumbs help the cutlets to achieve an irresistible crispy texture. To make it more nutritious and healthier, swap the regular white breadcrumbs with alternatives such as rolled oats, quinoa flakes, or ground flak seeds. You can enjoy the cutlets guilt-free without the fear of adding maida.
- Bake Instead Of Frying
Although frying may result in a crispy exterior, it also adds unnecessary calories and unhealthy fats. For a healthier option, it is preferable to bake them in the oven. Preheat the oven and place the cutlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the cutlets till golden brown and cook thoroughly. For added crispness, light spray or brush the cutlets with healthy cooking oil before baking.
- Use Healthier Oils
Whenever you’re cooking or baking cutlets, opt for healthier oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. These oils are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and have a higher smoking point. This makes them suitable for high-temperature cooking like baking. Do not use hydrogenated oils or fats, as they contain unhealthy trans fats that can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
- Pair With Healthy Accompaniments
Fries and potato chips are traditional sides paired with cutlets. However, to make it healthier, pair the cutlets with whole grains like quinoa, and brown rice, along with a variety of colourful vegetables or a side salad/ You can also serve the cutlet with homemade sauces or dips made from yoghurt, herbs, and spices for added flavour without the addition of excess calories and fats.
