What is "schnitzel"?

Schnitzel is a popular dish in German and Austrian cuisine that features thin slices of meat, typically veal, pork, or chicken, that are breaded and fried until crispy. The meat is first pounded thin to ensure even cooking and then coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs, flour, and beaten eggs, which gives it a crispy and golden exterior. The schnitzel is typically served with a side of potatoes, cucumber salad, or lingonberry jam, and is often garnished with a wedge of lemon. It can be customized to suit different tastes, with variations such as Jägerschnitzel, which is served with a mushroom sauce, or Wiener Schnitzel, which is the traditional Viennese version made with veal.