Turkey Cutlets with Balsamic Pears (or Apples)

Recipe from Everyday Food Magazine

Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen

Serves 4

This tasty dish will remind you of autumn.  We loved the sweet fruity taste of the apples (or pears) with the mustardy-vinegary flavors.  Buy a whole boneless, skinless turkey breast when it’s on sale and make your own cutlets by slicing the breast into ½-inch thick slices (crossways) and then pound them out a bit.  Freeze the cutlets by separating them with a square of parchment paper, placing them in plastic freezer bags and then marking the bag with its contents. Thaw the cutlets in the fridge.

4 turkey cutlets (about 1 pound total), patted dry

Coarse salt and ground pepper

3 Tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)

3 large shallots, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons chopped fresh or dried thyme leaves

½ -¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth  (Next time I make this, I’ll use ½ cup broth since ¾ cup seemed a bit much to me.)

2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 teaspoons grainy mustard

2 Bosc pears, cored and sliced into thin wedges (Apples will also work.  I used 2 Pink Lady apples.)

Season turkey with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 Tablespoon butter over medium-high. Add turkey and cook until cooked through, about 2 minutes per side, flipping once. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.

Add 2 tablespoons butter to skillet and reduce heat to medium. Add shallots, garlic, and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until shallots begin to soften, 6 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together broth, vinegar, and mustard. Add pears to skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften, 4 minutes. Add broth mixture; cover and cook 5 minutes. Uncover, increase heat to high, and cook, stirring occasionally, until pears are tender and liquid is almost evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Return turkey to skillet, along with any juices. Add thyme, toss to combine, and serve.

This dish takes so little time to cook that you'll want to have
all your ingredients ready to go!