Fritto Misto di Verdure e Formaggi – Italian Deep-Fried Vegetable and Cheese Medley
Category: Main Courses
Servings: 6
A delightful dish that brings together the best of both worlds: crisp-fried vegetables and rich, gooey cheeses. Fritto misto di verdure e formaggi, a quintessential Italian recipe, presents an irresistibly golden, crunchy assortment of vegetables and cheeses, making it a perfect dish for a hearty meal. This crispy medley, bursting with flavor, is the ideal choice for both casual family dinners and festive gatherings.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cauliflower | 1 head |
| Broccoli | 1 bunch |
| Artichokes | 4 |
| Potatoes | 3 |
| Zucchini | 3 |
| Fine salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Ricotta cheese | 250g |
| Caciotta cheese (or similar mild cheese) | 50g |
| Provolone cheese | 50g |
| Ground nutmeg | to taste |
| All-purpose flour (00 type) | 70g |
| Lemon | ½ |
| All-purpose flour (for battering) | 370g |
| Water | 550g |
| Fine salt | 1 pinch |
| Breadcrumbs | to taste |
| Egg yolks | 3 |
| Vegetable oil (for frying) | as needed |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables
Start by preparing the vegetables:
- Clean and cut the cauliflower and broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for about 3 minutes until just tender, then drain.
- Clean the artichokes: trim the leaves and cut them into quarters. Place them in a bowl of water with lemon juice to prevent discoloration.
- Wash the zucchinis and slice them into thin rounds.
- Peel and slice the potatoes into thin slices or wedges, ready for frying.
Step 2: Preparing the Cheeses
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, thinly sliced caciotta cheese, and 2 tablespoons of grated provolone cheese. Add flour, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Mix everything together until you have a smooth and cohesive mixture.
- Set aside a few slices of provolone to be battered and fried separately.
Step 3: Preparing for the Coating
Now, prepare for the battering and breading:
- In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with a pinch of salt.
- On two large trays, set up the flour and breadcrumbs. These will be used for coating the vegetables and cheeses.
Step 4: Breading the Cheese and Vegetables
Start by coating the cheese mixture:
- First, take small portions of the cheese mixture, form them into balls or patties, and roll them in the flour, followed by dipping them into the beaten eggs. Finish by rolling them in the breadcrumbs.
- Repeat this process for half of the artichoke quarters, ensuring each piece is well-coated with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
Step 5: Making the Batter
For the batter, in a bowl, slowly mix the water and flour together, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Let the batter rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Step 6: Frying the Vegetables and Cheeses
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, begin frying the potatoes first, ensuring they are golden and crispy. After the potatoes are fried, proceed with the other vegetables.
- Dip the cauliflower florets, broccoli pieces, zucchini slices, and remaining artichokes into the prepared batter and fry them in batches until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Don’t forget to fry the breaded cheese balls and slices of provolone separately for a gooey, cheesy treat.
Step 7: Serving
Once everything is fried to perfection, remove the items from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve the fritto misto di verdure e formaggi immediately while it is hot and crisp, ready to be enjoyed!
Tips and Variations
- For an extra burst of flavor, feel free to add some finely chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture before coating the vegetables and cheeses.
- If you want to make the dish a little lighter, you can opt for baking the vegetables and cheese in the oven instead of frying them.
This classic Italian fritto misto offers a delicious and satisfying combination of crisp textures and savory flavors, making it a perfect choice for any meal. Whether served as a side dish or the main event, it’s bound to delight everyone at the table. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness that is sure to bring a smile to anyone who tries it!
