Pork Milanese
Pork Milanese with provolone, broccoli rabe, hot peppers, and garlic aioli on a seeded roll.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Milanese dishes, particularly involving breaded cutlets, have a long history in Lombardy, Italy. The 'cotoletta alla Milanese' is a veal cutlet, breaded and pan-fried. This version uses pork and incorporates influences from Italian-American cuisine, such as the addition of provolone, broccoli rabe, and hot peppers, often found in sandwiches and other dishes.
While the 'cotoletta alla Milanese' has deep roots in Italian culture, this particular sandwich is a more modern adaptation, reflecting Italian-American culinary traditions and the popularity of sandwiches in American cuisine.
Italian-American Influence
The combination of provolone, broccoli rabe, and hot peppers is a common theme in Italian-American cooking, often used in sandwiches, pasta dishes, and other preparations. This sandwich reflects that influence.
Street Food
This type of hearty sandwich is often found as a popular street food or casual restaurant offering, showcasing the accessibility and satisfying nature of this flavor combination.
This sandwich boasts a complex blend of savory, bitter, spicy, and rich flavors. The crispy pork cutlet is complemented by the sharpness of provolone, the bitterness of broccoli rabe, the heat of hot peppers, and the creamy, pungent garlic aioli.
The pork Milanese provides a crispy, savory base. Provolone cheese adds a salty, slightly sharp, and creamy element. Broccoli rabe contributes a distinct bitterness that is often balanced with the garlic and oil used in its preparation. Hot peppers introduce a fiery kick, while the garlic aioli delivers a rich, creamy, and pungent counterpoint. The seeded roll provides a sturdy and flavorful vessel for all these ingredients.
Tenderizing the Pork
Pound the pork cutlets thinly to ensure even cooking and tenderness. This also helps the breading adhere properly.
Proper Breading
Use a three-step breading process (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) for a crispy and even coating. Season the breadcrumbs generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
Broccoli Rabe Preparation
Blanch the broccoli rabe before sautéing it with garlic and olive oil to reduce its bitterness. Some people add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra layer of heat.
Garlic Aioli
Make the garlic aioli from scratch for the best flavor, or use a high-quality store-bought version. Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference.
Roll Selection
Choose a sturdy seeded roll that can hold all the ingredients without falling apart. A sesame seed or poppy seed roll works well.
Explore additional Sandwich dishes and restaurants
Explore SandwichDiscover top dining spots and culinary experiences in Philadelphia.
Explore PhiladelphiaLearn more about the food culture, restaurant scene, and culinary heritage of United States.
Explore United States