Kotlet schabowy is one of the most well-known and beloved Polish dishes. It is a pork cutlet prepared almost identically to the Czech schnitzel. The recipe for the Polish (as well as the Czech) schnitzel originates from the Viennese veal schnitzel, which in turn is said to have been inspired by the Milanese cutlet “cotolette alla Milanese.” However, there are significant differences in the typical side dishes that Poles enjoy with their schnitzel.
The foundation of kotlet schabowy is pork chop, ideally from high-quality meat of a young pig. Poles prefer a lean chop for their schnitzel. Since lean chops can be dry, you might also come across a schnitzel made from a bone-in pork chop, “kotlet schabowy z kością.” The chop is thoroughly pounded, salted, and peppered. It is then breaded by dipping it first in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs. The schnitzel is then fried to a golden brown on both sides. Up to this point, the preparation is the same as in other schnitzels, but the differences lie in the side dishes.
In Poland, kotlet schabowy is traditionally served with potatoes sprinkled with dill, which can be accompanied by sauerkraut or a vegetable salad. Another possible side dish for this Polish dish is “kopýtka,” a type of Polish potato dumpling.
In addition to pork, chicken can also be used to make schnitzel, though less commonly, referred to as “kotlet z kurczaka.” You might also come across a natural pork cutlet known as “schab po staropolsku.”
I love the traditional Czech pork schnitzel, and for me, the best is made from juicy neck meat. Pork chops are too dry for my taste, so in Poland, I prefer the bone-in schnitzel variant.
I tried one absolutely perfect schnitzel at the Schaboszczak od Dziadka folk canteen in Poznań (see Where to Eat in Poznań). The enormous (truly enormous) schnitzel with potatoes and cabbage there cost 38 PLN (9.20 EUR). It was fried to a golden brown and still juicy inside. However, I must admit that cabbage as a side dish with schnitzel is still not my favorite 😇.
And how about you? Do you like Polish schnitzel with dill potatoes and cabbage? Let me know in the comments!
Bon appetit!
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