Oven-baked pork cutlets: A hearty alternative for hot July days

During hot July days, even the most ardent fans of traditional pork cutlets tend to shy away from cooking. Who would want to stand over a hot frying pan? Additionally, dietitians advise against fried dishes, especially in hot weather. However, I have an alternative pork cutlet recipe that you might prefer even more than the traditional version, as it is baked in the oven.

Are you worried that oven-baked pork cutlets will turn out too dry? Worry not. Selecting the right piece of meat is crucial, and treating it properly is just as important. This simple method yields surprisingly delightful results.

For this dish, it's best to choose pork loin sold loose by weight. Pay attention to its colour—it should be light pink. It will be tough and dry if it is too dark, and if it is too pale, it will be too soft. Additionally, the meat should not be too lean, as the fat ensures the cutlets remain juicy. An evenly distributed delicate layer of fat is ideal. The central part of the pork loin works well.

Once you have your pork loin at home, cut it into slices. Then, cut each slice diagonally in a criss-cross pattern. This will allow the butter you place on each portion to penetrate the meat structure quickly. This addition will make the pork perfectly soft, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Such prepared pork can be baked with various additives. It tastes great simply with fresh rosemary, which imparts an herbal aroma. You can add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and cheese for a more enriched dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 kilogram of pork loin
• 200 grams of butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A few sprigs of fresh rosemary

Optional additives:

• 1 onion
• 200 grams of mushrooms
• 200 grams of cheese, e.g., mozzarella
• 1 egg
• 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise

Preparation method:

1. Cut the pork loin into slices about 2 centimetres thick. Cut each slice diagonally in a criss-cross pattern, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Season the pork with salt and pepper. Place a generous piece of butter on each slice and spread it slightly.
3. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the meat for 25 minutes. For the last 15 minutes, add rosemary sprigs.
4. If you want to prepare the pork with additives, place canned mushrooms and onion slices on the pork slices.
5. Grate the cheese, add the egg and mayonnaise, and mix. Season the sauce to taste and spread it on the pork slices.
6. Place the prepared cutlets in the oven at 180°C and bake for 30 minutes.