Mozzarella Tortino with Tomato Basil Sauce

Ingredients

• 500g (17.6 oz) fresh mozzarella cheese 500g (17.6 oz) fresh mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups (470ml) tomato passata 2 cups (470ml) tomato passata
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, chopped 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 6g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Pour in the tomato passata and stir in the chopped basil leaves and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. 3.
   Cut the fresh mozzarella cheese into thick slices.
4. 4.
   Dredge each mozzarella slice in flour, dip it in beaten eggs, and coat it with breadcrumbs.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the breaded mozzarella slices until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
7. 7.
   In a baking dish, spread a layer of the tomato basil sauce. Place the fried mozzarella slices on top of the sauce, creating a single layer.
8. 8.
   Repeat the layers until all the mozzarella slices are used, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
9. 9.
   Bake the tortino in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mozzarella cheese — Use fresh mozzarella cheese for the best results. If you can't find fresh mozzarella, you can substitute with low-moisture mozzarella, but the texture may be slightly different.
• Tomato passata — Tomato passata is a smooth tomato puree. If you can't find it, you can blend canned tomatoes until smooth.
• Fresh basil leaves — For the best flavor, use fresh basil leaves. If unavailable, you can substitute with dried basil, but reduce the quantity to 1 teaspoon.

Tips & Tricks

• To make the dish even more flavorful, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato basil sauce for a hint of spiciness.
• Serve the Mozzarella Tortino with a side of fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the breaded mozzarella slices instead of frying them. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the Mozzarella Tortino hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness. This dish pairs well with a glass of Italian red wine.

Presentation advice

Present the Mozzarella Tortino on individual plates, allowing the layers of melted cheese and tomato sauce to be visible. Drizzle a little extra tomato basil sauce on top for an appetizing presentation.