Mango Mustard

A delicious entree made with fresh cheeses and herbs.
Directions for: Ayesha's Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

6 (1/2-inch-thick) chicken cutlets, about 2 lbs total

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

cup all-purpose flour, for dredging

cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the baking dish

4 cloves garlic, sliced

1 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves

1 (28-oz) can whole San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand, reserve the can

1 pinch sugar

1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes

cup loosely-packed fresh basil leaves

1 (8-oz) ball fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425F. Season the chicken on both sides with some salt and pepper. Spread the flour in a shallow bowl or plate. Season with some salt and pepper.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and heat. Working with 2 or 3 pieces at a time so as not to crowd the pan, dredge both sides of the chicken cutlets in the seasoned flour and tap off the excess. Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove to a plate and repeat with the remaining cutlets.

3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet. Add the garlic and thyme and cook until the garlic is just golden on the edges, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, rinse the can with 1/2 cup water and add that to the skillet. Add the sugar, red pepper flakes and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring the sauce to a rapid simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.

4. Tear the basil into rough shreds with your hands and stir into the sauce. Brush a 9-by-13- inch baking dish with some olive oil and ladle half of the sauce into the dish. Nestle the chicken into the sauce and top with the remaining sauce. Lay the sliced mozzarella over the chicken and sprinkle the Parmesan over all. Bake until the cheese is browned and bubbly, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve hot.

See more: Cheese, Chicken, Herbs, Italian, Main, Roast, Tomatoes