Restaurateur Brad Segal
Brad Segal is the co-founder of Eddie’s – New York Deli & Diner, specialising in authentic American food.
His restaurant’s recipes are based on the American dishes that he grew up with.
Mozzarella cheese-sticks with marinara sauce
Ingredients:
For mozzarella sticks
- 12 sticks of string cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For marinara sauce
- 1 can (28oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Cut each string cheese into half-inch pieces and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, add the beaten eggs.
- Pour the all-purpose flour into a separate bowl.
- Dip each piece of cheese in the flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally the seasoned breadcrumbs. Make sure to coat the cheese well with each layer.
- Repeat with all the pieces of cheese and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze the cheese sticks for about 30 minutes.
- In a deep frying-pan or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 190 degrees Celsius.
- Working in batches, fry the cheese sticks until golden brown for about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- To make the marinara sauce, heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the marinara sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serving:
- Serve the mozzarella sticks hot with the warm marinara sauce on the side.
- The dish can be paired with beer or any other drink.
- The mozzarella cheese-sticks are best eaten hot to maintain their texture. VNS
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