Grandma Tuzzolino'S Spedini
Grandma Tuzzolino's Spedini features tender, thinly pounded veal or beef coated with Italian bread crumbs and Parmesan, offering a crispy, flavorful bite perfect for special occasions or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pound the veal or beef until thin, approximately 3 x 3 inches in size.
- Use a small beef tenderloin roast sliced thin if desired; meat slices easily if partly frozen.
- Prepare flavored Italian bread crumbs and grate Parmesan cheese.
- Minced garlic and chopped or dried basil are ready for seasoning.
- Season the meat with salt and pepper to taste.
- Dip the meat pieces in olive oil, then coat with flavored bread crumbs and Parmesan.
- Cook until golden and crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful experience, consider marinating the veal or beef in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have flavored Italian bread crumbs, you can make your own by mixing plain breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning. For a lighter option, substitute chicken or turkey cutlets. If using beef, a tender cut like filet mignon works well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma Tuzzolino's Spedini with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or over a bed of pasta. They pair beautifully with Jeano'S Italian Casserole for a hearty meal. A fresh salad or steamed vegetables also complement the dish well. For a complete Italian experience, consider serving with garlic bread or a glass of red wine.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spedini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps retain their crispy texture. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Tuzzolino'S Spedini contains roughly 136 calories, with 10g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (209% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 701mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of veal or beef?
Yes, chicken cutlets are a great alternative and will work similarly in this recipe. Be sure to adjust cooking time to avoid drying them out, as chicken typically cooks faster than veal or beef.
How do I know when the spedini are done cooking?
The spedini are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) if using chicken, or 145°F (63°C) for beef or veal.
Can I prepare the spedini ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat and coat it in breadcrumbs earlier in the day. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld and can save you time when entertaining guests.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).