Sorrisi (Mozzarella and Ham Fritters)
Sorrisi, or “Smiles” as they’re affectionately called, are crispy, golden-brown fried pockets filled with a delightful combination of mozzarella, ham, and tomato sauce. These savory bites are perfect for a cozy meal with family or friends, bringing a smile to anyone who tries them! The recipe begins with a soft dough, which is shaped, filled, and then fried to perfection. It’s a delicious treat that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 180g |
| Whole milk | 300g |
| Butter | 30g |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Mozzarella cheese | 150g |
| Tomato sauce (passata) | 100g |
| Cooked ham | 60g |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Breadcrumbs | 100g |
| Salt | To taste |
| Peanut oil (for frying) | As needed |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base
Begin by preparing the base dough for your sorrisi. In a small saucepan, pour in the whole milk and add the butter. Stir well using a spatula until the butter melts completely. Continue stirring until the mixture starts to thicken, and in a few moments, you will notice the dough begin to form. Allow it to cook for a little while longer, until the dough separates easily from the sides of the pot, leaving a slight film at the bottom of the pan.
Step 2: Cool the Dough
Once the dough is ready, transfer it to a wide, shallow container. Gently flatten it out with a spatula and let it cool completely. It’s important to let the dough cool to room temperature so that it’s easier to work with when you’re shaping it later.
Step 3: Roll Out and Shape the Dough
When the dough has cooled, turn it out onto a clean surface and sprinkle a little bit of flour on top to prevent it from sticking. Knead it gently to smooth it out, then roll it out with a rolling pin until it’s about 3mm thick.
Carefully cut out 8 circles using a round cookie cutter or a glass. Gather the excess dough scraps, roll them out again, and continue cutting out more circles until all the dough is used.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
Now, it’s time to prepare the filling. Finely chop the mozzarella and place about 75g of it in a bowl. Add the tomato sauce to the mozzarella and mix well.
Next, chop the cooked ham into small pieces and set it aside. You will use this to make additional fillings for some of the sorrisi.
Step 5: Assemble the Sorrisi
Place a spoonful of the mozzarella and tomato mixture on half of each dough circle, leaving a little space around the edges. Gently fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, then press the edges together. Use your fingers to pinch the dough edges tightly to seal in the filling.
Repeat the process until you’ve made 3 sorrisi filled with the mozzarella and tomato mixture. For the remaining 5 dough circles, simply fill them with chopped ham and mozzarella cubes.
Step 6: Coat the Sorrisi
Once the sorrisi are filled and sealed, it’s time to prepare them for frying. Beat the eggs in a shallow dish and set up a breading station with the breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. Dip each sorrisi into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are completely coated, then roll them in the breadcrumbs to form an even coating.
Step 7: Fry the Sorrisi
Heat the peanut oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat. You’ll want the oil to reach a temperature of about 160°C (320°F). Test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread; it should sizzle immediately.
Carefully drop the sorrisi into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Once fried, remove the sorrisi from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the sorrisi immediately, while they are still hot and crispy. These savory delights are perfect for a family meal, appetizer, or snack. Their golden crust and melty cheese filling will surely make everyone smile!
Tip: If you have any leftover dough or filling, feel free to experiment with different variations of the sorrisi, adding extra ingredients like olives, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of herbs for a personalized twist.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 piece) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Sugars | 2g |
Enjoy these sorrisi hot and fresh for the best taste and texture. Whether you’re making them for a casual meal or a special occasion, these treats are sure to become a family favorite.
