Fried Cheese: Mozzarella Fritto

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup large fresh bread crumbs, not toasted (Big Guy crumbs recommended)
• 8 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 bunch chopped fresh oregano leaves
• Chili flakes

Directions

Slice the mozzarella 3/4-inch slices. In a large frying pan, heat the oil over high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the garlic cloves and fry, pushing the garlic cloves through the oil to infuse the oil with the garlic flavor. As soon as the garlic begins to color, remove from the pan. Smash cheese slices into bread crumbs. Lower the heat to medium-high, and place the cheese slices into the pan in 1 layer. Make sure to leave enough room so that the cheese slices can be flipped. Fry on both sides until golden brown, about 2 to 4 minutes per side. Remove and let drain on a serving plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle the fried cheese lightly with vinegar. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and the fresh oregano. Repeat with remaining slices until all the cheese has been fried. Serve hot sprinkled with chili flakes.