Mozzarella in Carrozza with Anchovy Sauce

Mozzarella in Carrozza with Anchovy Sauce
Mozzarella in Carrozza with Anchovy Sauce
Miraglia Eriquez's Aunt Dottie loved this indulgent appetizer, which was served at her favorite Italian-American restaurants. A talented, ambitious home cook, Dottie tinkered in her kitchen until she came up with her own version. We're glad she did. The lemon and capers in the anchovy-butter sauce cut through the richness of soft, stretchy mozzarella in a pocket of crisp fried bread.
  • Preparing Time: -
  • Total Time: -
  • Served Person: Makes 12 (antipasto) servings
Italian Appetizer Dinner Mozzarella Pan-Fry Gourmet Sugar Conscious Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup fine dry bread crumbs
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • Carbohydrate 28 g(9%)
  • Cholesterol 116 mg(39%)
  • Fat 76 g(118%)
  • Fiber 1 g(6%)
  • Protein 16 g(33%)
  • Saturated Fat 15 g(74%)
  • Sodium 653 mg(27%)
  • Calories 856

PreparationMake anchovy sauce: Melt butter in a small heavy saucepan over low heat. Discard any foam from top, then remove from heat. Stir in anchovies, capers, and lemon juice. Keep warm, covered. Stir in parsley just before serving. Make mozzarella in carrozza: Cut bread from middle of loaf into 12 (1/4-inch-thick) slices. Sandwich each slice of mozzarella between 2 slices bread, then cut off crusts, forming 4-inch squares (mozzarella slices should be smaller than bread slices). Put 1 cup milk in a shallow dish and spread bread crumbs on a plate. Dip both sides of each sandwich in milk, pressing edges lightly to seal sandwich. Coat with bread crumbs, making sure edges are coated well. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill 2 hours. Whisk eggs in a large shallow bowl, then whisk in 3/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 3 tablespoons milk. Heat 1/2 inch oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Dip sandwiches, 1 at a time, in egg mixture, letting excess drip off, and fry, 3 at a time, turning once with a slotted spatula, until golden, about 6 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels. Halve diagonally and serve hot with anchovy sauce.

PreparationMake anchovy sauce: Melt butter in a small heavy saucepan over low heat. Discard any foam from top, then remove from heat. Stir in anchovies, capers, and lemon juice. Keep warm, covered. Stir in parsley just before serving. Make mozzarella in carrozza: Cut bread from middle of loaf into 12 (1/4-inch-thick) slices. Sandwich each slice of mozzarella between 2 slices bread, then cut off crusts, forming 4-inch squares (mozzarella slices should be smaller than bread slices). Put 1 cup milk in a shallow dish and spread bread crumbs on a plate. Dip both sides of each sandwich in milk, pressing edges lightly to seal sandwich. Coat with bread crumbs, making sure edges are coated well. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill 2 hours. Whisk eggs in a large shallow bowl, then whisk in 3/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 3 tablespoons milk. Heat 1/2 inch oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Dip sandwiches, 1 at a time, in egg mixture, letting excess drip off, and fry, 3 at a time, turning once with a slotted spatula, until golden, about 6 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels. Halve diagonally and serve hot with anchovy sauce.