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