Stecchi alla Bolognese – A Savory Italian Appetizer
Stecchi alla Bolognese, or Bolognese Skewers, is a delightful Italian appetizer that brings together the flavors of tender pork, rich mortadella, and creamy Emmental cheese. These bite-sized treats are coated in a luscious besciamella sauce, dipped in egg, and then fried to golden perfection. Whether served at a family gathering or a festive dinner, these skewers are sure to impress with their crispy, cheesy goodness.
Recipe Overview:
Category: Antipasti
Servings: 18 pieces
Cooking Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork Loin (Lonza di maiale) | 100g |
| Mortadella | 100g |
| Emmental Cheese | 100g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Whole Milk | 250ml |
| All-Purpose Flour (Farina 00) | 30g |
| Butter | 30g |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Nutmeg | To taste |
| Breadcrumbs (Pangrattato) | 100g |
| Egg | 1 |
| Peanut Oil (for frying) | 5 liters |
Instructions:
-
Making the Besciamella (White Sauce):
- In a large pan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Once melted, add the sifted all-purpose flour and stir with a whisk to avoid any lumps.
- Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking continuously, until the mixture thickens into a velvety smooth sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of grated nutmeg to taste.
- Once done, transfer the besciamella to a bowl and let it cool slightly. If you prepare the sauce in advance, cover it with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. If it thickens too much, simply add a little cold milk to loosen it.
-
Preparing the Skewers:
- Cut the pork loin, mortadella, and Emmental cheese into 1.5 cm (about 1 inch) cubes.
- On each skewer, alternate between pieces of pork, mortadella, and cheese. You should be able to make about 18 skewers.
-
Cooking the Pork:
- Heat a small amount of extra virgin olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the pork cubes and sauté them for a few minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides.
- Remove the pork from the pan and let it cool to room temperature before assembling the skewers.
-
Assembling the Stecchi:
- Once all the ingredients are ready, carefully arrange the pork, mortadella, and cheese on the skewers, making sure the ingredients are tightly packed to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
- Optionally, position the cheese cube in the center to reduce the chances of it melting too much during frying.
-
Breading the Skewers:
- Set up three shallow bowls for dipping. In the first, pour the cooled besciamella sauce. In the second, crack the egg and whisk it well. In the third, place the breadcrumbs.
- Dip each skewer into the besciamella first, making sure it is well-coated, then dip it into the egg, ensuring an even layer, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs stick.
-
Frying the Skewers:
- Fill a large pot with peanut oil, ensuring it is deep enough to submerge the skewers, and heat it to 170-180°C (340-355°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb in. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
- Fry the skewers in batches of two or three, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the skewers are golden and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the skewers from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
-
Serving:
- Season the fried skewers with a pinch of salt while they are still hot and serve immediately.
- Stecchi alla Bolognese are best enjoyed fresh, paired with a cold drink, and served as a delicious appetizer for any occasion.
Tips & Tricks:
- If the besciamella thickens too much as it cools, you can thin it out with a splash of milk and whisk it well before using.
- Make sure to fry the skewers quickly to prevent the cheese from melting out completely. The frying process should be rapid to ensure a crisp exterior and a gooey, melty interior.
- You can also prepare these skewers in advance by assembling and breading them, then refrigerating them until ready to fry.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
These Stecchi alla Bolognese are a delightful way to enjoy classic Italian flavors in bite-sized form. The combination of rich cheese, savory meats, and crispy breadcrumbs makes them a crowd favorite for any celebration or gathering. Whether you’re hosting an Italian-themed dinner party or just craving something special for your next meal, these skewers will surely become a staple in your appetizer repertoire. Buon appetito!
