Fried Mozzarella With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

This elegant appetizer features crispy, golden-fried mozzarella slices paired with a vibrant roasted red pepper sauce. The cheese is lightly breaded and pan-fried until crisp on the outside while remaining molten and creamy within. The accompanying sauce blends sweet roasted peppers, briny Kalamata olives, and fresh parsley with a bright hint of lemon and vinegar. It offers a perfect balance of rich, savory cheese and acidic, herbal notes. Ideal for dinner parties or as a sophisticated first course, this dish is quick to assemble and delivers an impressive texture contrast that appeals to both casual diners and food enthusiasts.

Cooking Method: Roasting

Cuisine: American

Courses: Sauces & Condiments

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 12

Calories: 350

Dietary: Vegan

Description

This elegant appetizer features crispy, golden-fried mozzarella slices paired with a vibrant roasted red pepper sauce. The cheese is lightly breaded and pan-fried until crisp on the outside while remaining molten and creamy within. The accompanying sauce blends sweet roasted peppers, briny Kalamata olives, and fresh parsley with a bright hint of lemon and vinegar. It offers a perfect balance of rich, savory cheese and acidic, herbal notes. Ideal for dinner parties or as a sophisticated first course, this dish is quick to assemble and delivers an impressive texture contrast that appeals to both casual diners and food enthusiasts.

Directions

1
In a small shallow bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, toasted pine nuts, and salt and pepper to taste.
2
Prepare three separate shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with the breadcrumb mixture.
3
Working with one mozzarella slice at a time, dredge the slice in flour, shaking off any excess.
4
Dip the floured slice into the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip off.
5
Coat the egg-washed slice thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, patting gently to ensure adherence.
6
Place the coated slices in a single layer on a waxed paper-lined plate. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set the coating.
7
While the mozzarella chills, combine the roasted red peppers, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, cayenne, 1 tablespoon water, and salt and pepper in a blender.
8
Blend the sauce until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the chopped olives and 2 tablespoons of minced parsley.
9
Divide the sauce between 4 serving plates.
10
In a large heavy skillet, preferably nonstick, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking.
11
Carefully place the mozzarella slices in the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until golden brown on both sides.
12
Divide the fried mozzarella slices among the prepared plates. Garnish with additional minced parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 350kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25g39%
Saturated Fat 12g60%
Cholesterol 100mg34%
Sodium 450mg19%
Total Carbohydrate 15g5%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 2g
Protein 15g30%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/fried-mozzarella-with-roasted-red-pepper-sauce/