Photo: Victor ProtasioAlex Guarnaschelli, the chef and star of Food Network’sAlex vs Americauses a clever shortcut in her recipe: string cheese! “Making mozzarella sticks from scratch is so satisfying,” she says. “I love them hot right out of the pan.“IngredientsIngredient Checklist½ cup all-purpose flour4 large eggs, lightly beaten2 cups panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs)2 tablespoons dried oregano4 oz.s Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1 cup), divided18 mozzarella string cheese sticks3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil4 large cloves garlic, grated2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided2 tablespoons tomato paste1 (14.5-oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes2 teaspoons granulated sugar½ cup heavy whipping cream1 quart canola oil1 tablespoon garlic powder¼ cup fresh basil leaves, tornDirectionsInstructions ChecklistStep 1Add flour to a shallow bowl; add eggs to a second shallow bowl. Stir together panko, oregano and¾cup Parmesan in a third shallow bowl. Working with one mozzarella stick at a time, coat in flour, dip in egg and roll in panko mixture. Dip in egg and then panko mixture again. Place on a large baking sheet. Repeat with remaining mozzarella sticks. Chill, uncovered, for 1 hour or up to 12 hours.Step 2Heat olive oil and garlic in a saucepan over medium. Stir in 2 tablespoons water and¼teaspoon salt. Simmer until water cooks out and garlic is tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and another 2 tablespoons water; cook, stirring constantly, about 1 minute. Add whole tomatoes and sugar; cook until tomatoes break down, 12 to 15 minutes. Stir in cream and¾teaspoon salt. Remove from heat, and cover until ready to serve.Step 3Heat canola oil to 350° over medium in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with paper towels and fitted with a rack. Fry 6 mozzarella sticks at a time until browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer from oil to rack. Repeat with remaining mozzarella, and season with garlic powder and 1 teaspoon salt.Step 4Spoon tomato sauce into a bowl; stir in torn basil. Arrange mozzarella sticks on a platter, and sprinkle with¼cup Parmesan; serve immediately.TipsIf you prefer to use the oven, place the breaded string cheese in the freezer for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. Bake the frozen sticks at 400° for 6 to 8 minutes, until browned and melty.
Photo: Victor Protasio
Alex Guarnaschelli, the chef and star of Food Network’sAlex vs Americauses a clever shortcut in her recipe: string cheese! “Making mozzarella sticks from scratch is so satisfying,” she says. “I love them hot right out of the pan.“IngredientsIngredient Checklist½ cup all-purpose flour4 large eggs, lightly beaten2 cups panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs)2 tablespoons dried oregano4 oz.s Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1 cup), divided18 mozzarella string cheese sticks3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil4 large cloves garlic, grated2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided2 tablespoons tomato paste1 (14.5-oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes2 teaspoons granulated sugar½ cup heavy whipping cream1 quart canola oil1 tablespoon garlic powder¼ cup fresh basil leaves, tornDirectionsInstructions ChecklistStep 1Add flour to a shallow bowl; add eggs to a second shallow bowl. Stir together panko, oregano and¾cup Parmesan in a third shallow bowl. Working with one mozzarella stick at a time, coat in flour, dip in egg and roll in panko mixture. Dip in egg and then panko mixture again. Place on a large baking sheet. Repeat with remaining mozzarella sticks. Chill, uncovered, for 1 hour or up to 12 hours.Step 2Heat olive oil and garlic in a saucepan over medium. Stir in 2 tablespoons water and¼teaspoon salt. Simmer until water cooks out and garlic is tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and another 2 tablespoons water; cook, stirring constantly, about 1 minute. Add whole tomatoes and sugar; cook until tomatoes break down, 12 to 15 minutes. Stir in cream and¾teaspoon salt. Remove from heat, and cover until ready to serve.Step 3Heat canola oil to 350° over medium in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with paper towels and fitted with a rack. Fry 6 mozzarella sticks at a time until browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer from oil to rack. Repeat with remaining mozzarella, and season with garlic powder and 1 teaspoon salt.Step 4Spoon tomato sauce into a bowl; stir in torn basil. Arrange mozzarella sticks on a platter, and sprinkle with¼cup Parmesan; serve immediately.TipsIf you prefer to use the oven, place the breaded string cheese in the freezer for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. Bake the frozen sticks at 400° for 6 to 8 minutes, until browned and melty.
Alex Guarnaschelli, the chef and star of Food Network’sAlex vs Americauses a clever shortcut in her recipe: string cheese! “Making mozzarella sticks from scratch is so satisfying,” she says. “I love them hot right out of the pan.”
Ingredients
Ingredient Checklist
Directions
Instructions Checklist
Tips
If you prefer to use the oven, place the breaded string cheese in the freezer for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. Bake the frozen sticks at 400° for 6 to 8 minutes, until browned and melty.
source: people.com
