I'm sorry I've been too busy to blog recently. Nothing's changed actually, but that's another story. The days have been draining through my fingers at a rate of knots, but I've been determined to get at least get one entry done in July, so here it is!
I was making tapas a little while ago and one of the recipes I came across was deep fried Manchego cheese. When I saw the price of the Manchego however, I decided this was off the menu, at least for the time being (if I'm going to pay that sort of money, I want fillet steak!!!) Then I had a brain wave, I thought 'if Camembert can be deep fried, why can't Mozzarella?' (It is certainly much cheaper than Manchego). In my usual throw away the recipe book style, I decided how I'd like these little beauties to look and taste, and this is what I came up with. Each Mozarella ball makes four chunky bites, so this recipe makes 12, but you can tailor the amounts to suit your own needs. I'd allow one or two each for tapas, or more if being eaten as a snack. The aren't authentic tapas, but they certainly didn't look (or taste) out of place in this environment. I think they would also be a perfect nibble accompanied by a nice cold glass of white wine.
INGREDIENTS
3 lrg mozzarella balls
2 oz pl flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 x egg (beaten)
Dried breadcrumbs to coat (approx 4 tbsp)
Hot oil to deep fry
METHOD
1] In a small plastic bag, mix flour/garlic powder/salt/pepper & oregano.
2] Cut the mozzarella balls into quarters and one piece at a time, drop into the plastic bag and thoroughly coat with the flour mix.
3] Whisk the egg in one bowl and put dried breadcrumbs in another.
4] One at a time, coat the mozzarella pieces in the egg, then the breadcrumbs.
5] Fry about 6 at a time in hot (about 200 degrees) oil, for one or two minutes until breadcrumbs are just turning golden. The cheese should maintain its shape and not ooze out - DON'T OVERCOOK (or they'll turn to a mushy mess).
6] Drain on kitchen paper and continue until all mozzarella is cooked. Serve warm.
MR.T RATING - 9/10. 'Simple, but tasty!'
