Mediterranean Fried Sandwiches
Mediterranean Fried Sandwiches
Sealed mozzarella, olive and anchovy sandwiches soaked in egg and milk, then deep-fried golden — a cousin of mozzarella in carrozza.
Prep: 15 minutes (plus 5 minutes soaking) · Cook: 10 minutes
What Are Mediterranean Fried Sandwiches?
A fried sandwich in the mozzarella in carrozza family: bread triangles sealed around mozzarella, black olives, anchovy and basil, soaked in egg and milk, then deep-fried until golden.
Why Make Mediterranean Fried Sandwiches?
- Molten cheese inside a golden egg-crisped crust
- Olives and anchovy make it boldly Mediterranean
- A brilliant use for slightly stale bread
- Small triangles are perfect party food
- Comes together in under half an hour
Unico Products Used in This Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 slices bread (slightly stale, crusts removed)
- 100 g mozzarella cheese (thickly sliced (3 1/2 oz))
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 8 anchovy fillets (drained and chopped)
- 16 fresh basil leaves
- 4 eggs (beaten)
- 2/3 cup milk
- sunflower or vegetable oil (for deep-frying)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cut each slice of bread into 2 or 4 triangles.
- Top half the triangles with mozzarella slices, olives and chopped anchovies; add the basil leaves and season to taste.
- Lay the remaining triangles on top and press the edges to seal.
- Mix the eggs and milk, pour into a shallow dish, add the sandwiches and soak for about 5 minutes.
- Heat the oil to 350-375F, or until a cube of bread browns in 30 seconds; squeeze the sandwich edges together again before frying.
- Deep-fry the sandwiches for about 2 minutes, turning once, until golden; drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Tips
- Use slightly stale bread — it soaks without falling apart
- Press and re-press the edges so the cheese stays sealed
- Soak just 5 minutes; longer makes them fragile
- Test the oil with a bread cube before frying
- Drain well and serve hot while the centre flows
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediterranean Fried Sandwiches
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1. What is mozzarella in carrozza?
An Italian fried sandwich — 'mozzarella in a carriage' — of egg-soaked bread sealed around cheese; this version adds olives and anchovy.
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2. Why use stale bread?
Fresh bread collapses in the egg soak; day-old slices hold their structure.
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3. Can I pan-fry instead of deep-fry?
Yes — shallow-fry in 1/2 inch of oil, turning once, for a similar result.
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4. How do I stop the cheese leaking?
Press the edges firmly to seal before and after soaking.
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5. Can I make them ahead?
Assemble and refrigerate before soaking; soak and fry just before serving.
Mediterranean Fried Sandwiches Made Simple
Mediterranean Fried Sandwiches hide molten mozzarella inside a golden crust. Unico olives and anchovies give the filling its salty Mediterranean kick.