METHOD
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tomato sauce
First, make the sauce. Add oil to a pan and place over medium heat. Add diced onion and oregano. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic, and cook for another minute. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 - 8 minutes or until the cherry tomatoes are soft. Add the fresh herbs and water, stir to combine, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook for 6 - 8 minutes for the sauce to thicken and for the tomatoes to soften even more.
Tip+ -
frying
Pat dry the mozzarella with paper towels. Prepare three different plates. Add flour to one plate, eggs to a second plate, and whisk well, then add the breadcrumbs to a third plate. Roll the mozzarella in flour, dip in eggs, and roll in breadcrumbs. Then repeat the process by dipping into eggs and rolling in breadcrumbs to get a thicker coating.
TipMake sure to coat the balls evenly and generously to prevent the cheese from melting away. -
frying
Pour the oil into a large pan. Heat the oil to 180 °C / 350 °F. Gently drop the mozzarella balls in hot oil and deep fry for 1 - 2 minutes or until golden outside. Shake the pan from time to time.
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serve
Transfer the deep-fried balls to the tomato sauce. Before serving, sprinkle with parsley and basil.