Fried Mozzarella

Fried mozzarella is a tasty and very popular appetizer. Here is how you can prepare it, following the Italian tradition:

Ingredients

• Mozzarella (buffalo or fiordilatte) in sufficient quantity
• Flour, for breading
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Frying oil (seed or olive oil, depending on preferences)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional aromatic herbs, such as basil or oregano, for garnish

Preparation

1. Slice the mozzarella into approximately 1 cm thick slices or cut it into cubes if you prefer smaller pieces.
2. Coat each slice or cube in flour, making sure it is completely covered on all sides.
3. Beat the eggs in a deep plate, with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Dip the floured mozzarella in the beaten eggs, then coat it in breadcrumbs until it is completely covered.
5. Repeat the breading process a second time to ensure a crunchier crust.
6. Heat plenty of oil in a pan until it reaches a temperature of about 175 °C. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check the temperature by putting a piece of breadcrumb in the oil; it should fry without burning.
7. Fry the breaded mozzarella for a few minutes on each side until it becomes golden and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to avoid the oil temperature dropping too much and the mozzarella not frying correctly.
8. Once fried, place the mozzarella on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
9. Serve the fried mozzarella immediately, garnished with aromatic herbs if you wish, to enjoy its crunchiness and its warm, stringy interior.

Remember that the key to a good result is the quality of the ingredients and special attention to the temperature of the oil during frying. Enjoy your meal!