How to cook fried mozzarella?
Italian Mozzarella cheese is very popular. It is consumed both fresh and actively used in the process of cooking. Thanks to its soft texture, dishes are juicy and unusual in taste for an inexperienced domestic consumer. A particularly favorite appetizer for many processed cheese lovers is fried mozzarella.
Peculiarities
The first mention of Mozzarella cheese (from the Italian “mozzare” - “to cut”) was found in a cookbook dated 1570. It is believed that the birthplace of this product is the Campania region in Italy. Currently, this is one of the most popular types of cheese, which is enjoyed by residents of many countries.
Traditional mozzarella varieties are made using black buffalo milk. However, for industrial purposes, manufacturers often mix their milk with cow's. The latter contains casein in its composition, which disrupts the absorption of useful substances of Mozzarella, so these varieties are less valued.
The preparation of the product takes place in several stages.
- Preparation of milk and the addition of thermophilic starter culture and rennet. To give the milk mixture the desired texture, the mixture is heated, stirring constantly.
- Infusing future cheese in whey for up to 8 hours to make it softer and more tender.
- Separation of cheese from whey and kneading to make the mass more homogeneous.
- The formation of individual finished pieces by cutting them and lowering them into cold salt water.
This cheese is distinguished from other types of cheese by its soft, even texture, in which there are no cavities (holes).The product also has an extremely delicate, juicy and rich taste. Most often, cheese is made in the form of braids and balls. The last form will be the most suitable for making fried Mozzarella.
Composition and calories
Cheese has the following BJU:
- 22 g proteins;
- 22 g fat;
- 2 g carbohydrates.
Its calorie content is 280 kcal. It should be borne in mind that this is a rather fatty product. It is not recommended for people who have high cholesterol or who want to lose weight.
Traditional cheese made from buffalo milk is especially popular among those for whom casein, which is part of cow's milk, is an allergen-causative agent.
Popular Recipes
Cooking fried Mozzarella is a fairly simple process that does not take much time. This is a great appetizer option when guests suddenly drop by.
The classic recipe includes the following ingredients:
- Mozzarella cheese - 250 g;
- chicken egg - 2 pcs.;
- breadcrumbs - to taste;
- greens - to taste;
- wheat flour - 150 g;
- olive oil - 1 tbsp. l.
The algorithm for making breaded cheese is simple.
- If a whole piece of Mozzarella is used for cooking, then the cheese must be cut into small portioned pieces and rolled in flour. If cheese is used in the form of balls, then this step can be skipped.
- In a bowl, mix eggs and herbs, beat well. Dip all the cheese pieces into the mixture and then roll in the breadcrumbs.
- Pour the oil into a preheated pan and place the pieces on it. Fry on all sides until golden brown.
Professional culinary specialists recommend preparing the dish just before serving, since Mozzarella “hot, hot” is especially tasty.
There is also a simplified cooking option for which you will need:
- Mozzarella - 300 g;
- cornmeal - 300 g;
- milk - 2 tbsp. l.;
- ground pepper - to taste;
- salt - to taste;
- vegetable oil - 2 tbsp. l.
Cooking includes several stages.
- Cut a whole piece of Mozzarella into large pieces up to 2 cm wide to make small cakes.
- Whisk eggs, milk in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to them. Soak the cooked cheese in the mixture.
- Roll the pieces in flour. It is important that the flour lays down tightly, otherwise the cheese will melt outside the boundaries of such a breading, and future cakes will lose their appearance.
- Put Mozzarella on a preheated and oiled pan and fry until golden brown on both sides. You can also cook it on a home grill.
- The finished dish can be served on the table as an independent appetizer, a second course or as an addition to a side dish. Balls and cheese cakes can be decorated with herbs, seasoned with sour cream sauce.
How to cook fried Mozzarella, see the following video.