Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches
Fried Mozzarella Sandwiches
SERVES 6
THESE CLASSIC Italian fried sandwiches, known in their homeland as mozzarella in carrozza-literally, mozzarella in a carriage (the carriage being the bread)-are traditionally made with cows' milk mozzarella; mozzarella made from buffalo's milk is considered too delicate and expensive. This recipe, enhanced with prosciutto and anchovies, comes from Casale in Rome.
12 very thin slices white bread
6 ¼" - thick slices Mozzarella Company Fresh Mozzarella or other fresh cows' milk mozzarella, from 1-2 balls fresh mozzarella
3 thin slices prosciutto
6 anchovy filets
2 eggs
½ cup flour
1 cup fine dry bread crumbs
Extra-virgin olive oil
Salt
1. Lay out 6 slices of the bread on a cutting board. Cut a 2" round out of each slice of mozzarella and place 1 in the middle of each slice of bread. Tear prosciutto into 6 approximately 2" square pieces and lay 1 piece on top of each piece of cheese. Put 1 anchovy filet on top of each piece of prosciutto and top each with 1 of the remaining slices of bread. Press down on each sandwich with the palm of your hand, then use a 3" round cookie cutter to cut sandwiches into circles, discarding the scraps. The mozzarella, prosciutto, and anchovy should be enclosed in the bread.
2. Beat eggs in a shallow dish. Put flour and bread crumbs into separate dishes. Carefully dredge 1 sandwich at a time in flour, coat with eggs, then dredge in bread crumbs, pinching the edges together. Roll edges of sandwiches through eggs and bread crumbs again.
3. Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of ½" and heat over medium-high heat until temperature registers 375º on a candy thermometer. Working in batches, fry sandwiches until golden brown, carefully turning them once, 40-60 seconds per side. Transfer to paper towels to let drain, and season with salt.
