Deutsch: Österreich / Español: Austria / Português: Áustria / Français: Autriche / Italiano: Austria

Austria is a country in Central Europe renowned for its rich culinary traditions. Food in Austria is a delightful mix of influences from neighbouring countries such as Germany, Hungary, Italy, and the Czech Republic, resulting in a diverse and hearty cuisine.

Description

Austrian cuisine is known for its use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations. Wiener Schnitzel, Apfelstrudel, and Sachertorte are among the most famous dishes, reflecting Austria's culinary heritage. Austrian food is characterised by its robust flavours and hearty preparations, often featuring meats, potatoes, and pastries. Austrian food also places a strong emphasis on dairy products, breads, and seasonal vegetables.

The history of Austrian cuisine is deeply connected to the Habsburg Empire, which ruled over a vast and culturally diverse region. This historical context introduced a variety of culinary influences into Austrian cooking, creating a rich and eclectic food culture.

Special Dishes

Some notable Austrian dishes include:

• Wiener Schnitzel: A breaded and deep-fried veal cutlet, often served with potato salad or lingonberry sauce.
• Tafelspitz: Boiled beef served with horseradish, apple sauce, and chive sauce, traditionally accompanied by vegetables and potatoes.
• Apfelstrudel: A classic Viennese pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and cinnamon, often served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream.
• Sachertorte: A dense chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam, covered in dark chocolate icing, typically served with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Kaiserschmarrn: A fluffy shredded pancake, often served with plum compote or apple sauce.

Application Areas

Austrian cuisine can be experienced in various contexts:

• Home Cooking: Traditional recipes are commonly prepared at home, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients and family recipes.
• Restaurants and Cafés: From casual eateries to high-end restaurants, Austrian dining establishments showcase the country’s rich culinary heritage.
• Bakeries and Pastry Shops: Austria is famous for its baked goods, with numerous bakeries offering a wide range of breads, cakes, and pastries.
• Festivals and Markets: Food plays a central role in Austrian festivals and markets, where traditional dishes are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Well-Known Examples

• Vienna: The capital city is renowned for its café culture and iconic dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, and Apfelstrudel.
• Salzburg: Known for its connection to Mozart and its culinary delights like Salzburger Nockerl (a sweet soufflé).
• Tyrol: This region offers hearty Alpine cuisine, including dishes like Tyrolean Gröstl (a pan-fried potato dish) and Speck (cured ham).

Recipes

Here are a couple of classic Austrian recipes to try at home:

Wiener Schnitzel

Ingredients:

• 4 veal cutlets
• Salt and pepper
• Flour, for dredging
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Bread crumbs
• Butter or lard, for frying
• Lemon wedges and lingonberry sauce, for serving

Instructions:

1. Pound the veal cutlets to about 1/4 inch thickness.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with bread crumbs.
4. Heat butter or lard in a large frying pan and fry the cutlets until golden brown on both sides.
5. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and lingonberry sauce.

Apfelstrudel

Ingredients:

• 6 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 package phyllo dough
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Mix apples, raisins, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
3. Lay out a sheet of phyllo dough, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Repeat layering with several sheets.
4. Spread the apple mixture along one side of the phyllo stack.
5. Roll up the dough, tucking in the sides, and place on a baking sheet.
6. Brush with more melted butter and bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
7. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Similar Terms

• German cuisine: Shares many similarities with Austrian cuisine, particularly in regions close to the Austrian border.
• Hungarian cuisine: Influences Austrian food, especially in dishes like goulash.
• Swiss cuisine: Similar in its use of dairy products and Alpine ingredients.

Articles with 'Austria' in the title

• Glossary of Food and Drink in Austria: Glossary of Food and Drink in Austria: * Food and drink- Abendessen supper/dinner- Auflauf omelette- Beilagen side dishes- Brot bread- Butter butter- Ei egg- Frühstuck breakfast- Gabel fork- Gebäck pastries- Hauptgericht main course- Honi . . .

Weblinks

• architektur-lexikon.de: 'Österreich' in the architektur-lexikon.de (German)
• allerwelt-lexikon.de: 'Österreich' in the allerwelt-lexikon.de (German)
• travel-glossary.com: 'Austria' in the travel-glossary.com
• top500.de: 'Austria' in the glossary of the top500.de

Summary

Austria's food culture is a testament to its rich history and diverse influences. From the iconic Wiener Schnitzel to the delectable Sachertorte, Austrian cuisine offers a delightful array of dishes that reflect the country's culinary traditions and innovations.

--