Rye-Crusted Pork Schnitzel with Quick Applesauce

Serves 4

Pan IconWHY THIS RECIPE WORKS: Schnitzel is a favorite cold-weather comfort food, and we jazz up the typical coating by adding rye bread. Applesauce is the perfect accompaniment, and nothing beats homemade. Grating the apples first ensures they break down quickly, and once they’re soft, we add a bit of water to get the right consistency. Cinnamon, a little brown sugar, and a touch of lemon juice add a great flavor boost.

5

tablespoons unsalted butter

4

Granny Smith apples, cored, peeled, and grated

1

tablespoon packed brown sugar

¼

teaspoon ground cinnamon

2

tablespoons water

1

tablespoon lemon juice

4

slices rye bread, torn into quarters

½

cup all-purpose flour

2

large eggs

6

(3- to 4-ounce) pork cutlets, trimmed

Salt and pepper

1. Set wire rack in rimmed baking sheet and set aside. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add apples, sugar, and cinnamon, bring to simmer, then lower heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until apples start to break down, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until soft and slightly thickened, 10 to 12 minutes. Off heat, stir in water and lemon juice, transfer to bowl, and tent loosely with aluminum foil.

2. Meanwhile, microwave 2 tablespoons butter in small bowl until melted, about 30 seconds. Pulse bread and melted butter in food processor into crumbs, about 10 pulses. Transfer bread-crumb mixture to shallow dish. Spread flour in second shallow dish. Beat eggs in third shallow dish. Pat cutlets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Working with 1 cutlet at a time, dredge cutlets in flour, dip in egg, then coat with bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

3. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cutlets and cook until golden brown and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to prepared wire rack and tent loosely with foil. Wipe out skillet and repeat with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and remaining 3 cutlets. Serve with applesauce.