Here in South and Central Texas, many Texans are of Germanic and/or Hispanic descent, so traditional Schnitzel and Milanesa (the Spanish version) are still a fairly common dishes in certain households. However, we have also developed dishes that are similar to Schnitzel; the Southern American version called "Chicken Fried Steak" and the Tex-Mex version of Milanesa called, (what else), "Milanesa".

Now, just in case you've never heard of either of these dishes, "Chicken Fried Steak" is just what it sounds like; a tenderized and breaded beef steak that is fried in a skillet. It is served smothered in a brown or white gravy along with Southern-style green beans, mashed potatoes in gravy and either ice-cold beer or iced, sweet tea. "Milanesa" is basically the same thing, just Texicanized; a breaded and tenderized beef steak that is pan-fried. However, unlike Chicken Fried Steak, Tex Mex "Milanesa" is usually served without any gravy, (but my favorite version is served covered with a delicious, mushroom sauce. So good!) Our Milanesa is typically served with Spanish-style rice, either refried, pinto beans or borracho beans (pinto beans boiled in beer and spices), flour or corn tortillas and either Mexican beer or Iced Tea with lime.

Neither is exactly heart-healthy I know, but if you like, you can always substitute plant-based "meat" for the steak, coat it with unbleached, whole-wheat flour and bake it in a solar air-fryer. As for the side dishes, I guess you could soak quinoa in distilled water on a sunny window sill until it is al dente, eat the green beans raw and drink herbal tea served at room temperature.

If you are very creative, I'm sure you can figure out something similar for the Milanesa too...

Just don't do it anywhere near Texas!!!