Mozzarella Sticks with Spicy Tomato Sauce
Category: Appetizer
Servings: 12 pieces
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mozzarella | 240g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 100g |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Breadcrumbs | 100g |
| Corn flakes | 80g |
| Fine salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Canned peeled tomatoes | 350g |
| White onion | 1 |
| Fresh heavy cream | 100g |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Fresh chili pepper | 2 |
| Brown sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 10g |
| Peanut oil | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Tomato Sauce
Start by preparing the spicy sauce that will accompany your mozzarella sticks. Peel and finely chop the onion. Do the same with the garlic and fresh chili peppers. Heat a splash of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion, garlic, and chili peppers. Stir gently to allow the flavors to combine. Add a teaspoon of brown sugar and season with fine salt to taste. Stir again, cover the pan, and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes. Once the mixture has softened, add the canned tomatoes and let it cook gently until the sauce has thickened slightly. After the sauce is ready, add the fresh cream and let it infuse into the mixture. Keep the sauce warm while you prepare the mozzarella sticks.
Step 2: Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks
For the mozzarella sticks, begin by cutting the mozzarella into rectangular sticks, each weighing approximately 20g. With this amount of mozzarella, you should be able to make about 12 sticks. Next, prepare three separate bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second, lightly beat the eggs and season them with a pinch of salt. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the crushed corn flakes.
Take each mozzarella stick and dip it first in the flour, coating it completely. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully covered. Lastly, coat the mozzarella stick in the breadcrumbs and cornflakes mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading sticks well. For extra crunch, repeat the egg dip and breadcrumb coating once more.
Step 3: Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
In a deep frying pan, heat the peanut oil to 170°C (340°F). Fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and to maintain the oil temperature. Fry each batch for 1-2 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil, allowing any excess oil to drain. Place the mozzarella sticks on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any additional oil.
Step 4: Serve
Once the mozzarella sticks are fried to perfection, arrange them on a plate alongside the spicy tomato sauce for dipping. The combination of crispy, melty mozzarella and the rich, creamy sauce will surely be a hit at any gathering.
Tips:
- For an extra kick, you can adjust the amount of chili pepper in the sauce to your taste.
- If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the mozzarella sticks at 180°C (350°F) for about 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through.
- The tomato sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your mozzarella sticks, perfect for any occasion, from a casual snack to a festive appetizer!
