Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound Tumazzu di Vacca cheese, sliced into 1/4 inch thick pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon or spider skimmer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, add the flour. In the second dish, beat the eggs. In the third dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F.
3. Dredge each slice of Tumazzu di Vacca cheese in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the cheese into the beaten eggs, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the cheese to ensure they stick.
4. Carefully place the breaded cheese slices into the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Use a slotted spoon or spider skimmer to remove the fried cheese from the oil and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. Serve the Fried Tumazzu di Vacca ccu Pipi hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 16g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Tumazzu di Vacca cheese can be substituted with any semi-soft or hard cheese that melts well, such as provolone or mozzarella.
- Gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs or garlic to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
- Serve the Fried Tumazzu di Vacca ccu Pipi with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Use this recipe as a base for a sandwich, adding sliced tomato, lettuce, and mayonnaise.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the breaded cheese to ensure a crispy exterior.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when frying to avoid lowering the temperature of the oil.
- Drain the fried cheese on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
Storage instructions:
Fried Tumazzu di Vacca ccu Pipi is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the Fried Tumazzu di Vacca ccu Pipi on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Fried Tumazzu di Vacca ccu Pipi on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley or basil
Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Pair with a light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Chianti.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the breadcrumbs are not sticking to the cheese, try pressing them onto the cheese more firmly or dipping the cheese in the egg mixture again before coating in the breadcrumbs.
- If the cheese is melting too quickly in the oil, try freezing it for 10-15 minutes before breading and frying.
Food safety advice:
- Use caution when working with hot oil to avoid burns.
- Make sure the cheese is fully cooked before serving to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
Food history:
Tumazzu di Vacca is a semi-soft cheese made from cow's milk that originates from Sicily, Italy. It has a mild, buttery flavor and melts well, making it perfect for frying.
Flavor profiles:
The Fried Tumazzu di Vacca ccu Pipi has a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey interior with a mild, nutty flavor. The addition of cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat to the dish.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Fried Tumazzu di Vacca ccu Pipi as an appetizer or snack, or as a main course with a side salad.
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Region: Sicilian