Chizze Reggiane with Tomato Basil Sauce

Ingredients

• For the fritters: For the fritters:
• 200g (7oz) Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated 200g (7oz) Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated
• 100g (3.5oz) all-purpose flour 100g (3.5oz) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the tomato basil sauce: For the tomato basil sauce:
• 500g (1.1lb) ripe tomatoes, diced 500g (1.1lb) ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, flour, eggs, and black pepper. Mix well until a thick batter forms.
2. 2.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, drop small portions of the batter into the hot oil. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon.
4. 4.
   Fry the fritters for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. 5.
   In a separate saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until they become translucent.
6. 6.
   Add the diced tomatoes to the saucepan and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes break down and release their juices.
7. 7.
   Stir in the chopped basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for an additional 5 minutes.
8. 8.
   Serve the Chizze Reggiane fritters hot, accompanied by the tomato basil sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Parmigiano Reggiano cheese — Use freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using pre-packaged grated cheese, as it may contain additives that affect the fritters' consistency.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of grated nutmeg to the fritter batter.
• Serve the Chizze Reggiane with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for added freshness.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato basil sauce.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the fritter batter, such as thyme or oregano, to customize the flavor.
• To make the fritters more substantial, serve them on a bed of arugula or mixed greens.

Serving advice

Serve the Chizze Reggiane as an appetizer or a side dish. Arrange the fritters on a platter and drizzle the tomato basil sauce over them. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, place the Chizze Reggiane fritters on a white serving dish to showcase their golden color. Serve the tomato basil sauce in a small bowl on the side, allowing guests to dip the fritters as desired. Sprinkle some grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and fresh basil leaves over the top for a finishing touch.