Italian Deep Fried Cheese

This recipe will take you a little over an hour to prepare and it will serve 6 people. All you equipment you will need to have is a large saucepan, pastry brush, and deep fryer. This recipe is also referred to as telefonos for cheese strings.

Ingredients

1 large, peeled onion-finely chopped
2 oz. butter or margarine
6 oz. Uncooked long grain rice
1 1/2 chicken stock or bullion
1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese-grated
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 oz. finely lean ham-chopped
4 oz. Mozzarella cheese cut into 12 sticks (1.5 inch long sticks that are ½ inch thick)
3 medium to large eggs
3 oz. fine fresh breadcrumbs

Preparation

Heat your butter then add your onion and sauté it until it is transparent.

Add your rice and cook over low heat for two minutes, stirring the entire time. Stir in the stock and cover, bringing it to a boil. Simmer over a low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure to shake the pan frequently so that nothing sticks. You will know that this step is complete because your rice will be tender and all of the liquid will have been absorbed. Remove your pan.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and enough seasoning to taste. Allow your mixture to cool completely. Beat one egg and your chopped ham into the cold rice.

Break two of your eggs onto a deep plate or cake pan and beat the eggs lightly with a fork.
Spread your breadcrumbs onto another deep plate or cake pan.

Put two tablespoons of your rice mixture into the palm of your one hand. Place a cheese stick on top of this and cover it with more rice. Pat your cheese stick into a cylindrical shape that is 2.5 inches long and 1 inch thick.

Brush some beaten egg over the croquette (rice with cheese in it) and then coat with breadcrumbs. Make sure that these are only lightly pressed on. You will want to make 12 croquettes. Set on a plate and chill your croquettes for one hour.

Heat the oil in your deep fryer up to 360°F and then fry the croquettes a few at a time for five for six minutes. Use a draining spoon to remove the croquettes in your pan.

Garnish with watercress and serve hot. This makes a great appetizer or side dish.

For a full Italian meal in Florida, go to Mama Jennie’s Italian Restaurant to enjoy many Italian dishes. Mama Jennie’s can also meet your take out and catering needs. Contact Mama Jennie’s today to help plan the menu for you next event or gathering.

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