VEAL CUTLETS WITH TOMATO CREAM SAUCE

SERVES 4

Have you ever spent the greater portion of a day trying to decide what to make when you didn't plan ahead but know you want to make something special? That's what happened the day I created this recipe. Well, it is quick, easy, delicious and certainly elegant enough for a special occasion dinner. As with most recipes calling for cutlets, you can use veal, pork or even chicken interchangeably. However, veal is the ultimate choice.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound veal or pork cutlets, pounded very thin

1/2 cup all-purpose flour for dredging, seasoned with salt and pepper

1 egg, beaten with a little water

1 cup dry breadcrumbs, seasoned with basil and parsley

1/4 cup olive oil, more if needed

1 cup coarsely chopped green pepper

6 large cloves garlic, minced

2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned, drained of juice)

1 tablespoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup dry red wine

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Place the flour and bread crumbs on individual plates or waxed paper. Dip the cutlets first into the flour, then the beaten egg and finally, the bread crumbs. Place on baking rack and let set about 15 minutes in the refrigerator. This will help the coating adhere when frying.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1/4 cup olive oil and fry the cutlets, in batches if necessary, until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Remove and keep warm (in a preheated 250° F. oven, if needed). Meanwhile, make sauce.

Sauté the peppers over medium-high heat in the same pan for about 3 minutes, adding some olive oil if needed. Add the garlic and stir. Add the tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper and turn to high heat. Sauté until the tomatoes break down. Add the wine and reduce slightly. Finally, add the cream and parsley. Cook another 2 minutes or so, until desired consistency. Gently crush the tomatoes with the back of a spoon to release additional juices. To serve, place the cutlets on individual serving plates; add some sauce on top and along side. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Use your browser's BACK button to return to previous page
or go to the RECIPE INDEX.