Mozzarella in a carriage

Mozzarella in a carriage - Mozzarella in carrozza - is the name given to the fried sandwich that originated in Campania. It is said that the dish was invented to use up stale bread and buffalo mozzarella, which was no longer so fresh. The sandwich quickly turned into a favourite for Italians - as a starter at home as well as a bar snack.

The creative innkeepers

Buffalo mozzarella is typical for Campania just like the Pizza Margherita, and it has been produced in the region from the sixth century onwards. However, the shelf life of the fresh cheese was a problem in times without cooling possibilities. In order to conceal the slight acidity that developed as a consequence, the innkeepers in Naples came up with an idea: they placed the mozzarella between two slices of bread, and then breaded and fried it. The result of the escamotage was a melting, crispy sandwich that was typically served with leafy salads. Guests were delighted: The mozzarella in a carriage.

The escape from the prince

But where does the “carriage” in the name come from? It is attributed to a father who lived in Campania and who liked to tell fairy tales to his daughter. One day, in order to make his story more vivid, he also let the food he was preparing play a role in his fairy tale. And just like that, the two slices of bread became known as the carriage - which the princess of the story desperately needed so she could escape from the unloved prince the king had chosen for her.

Mozzarella in carrozza - different versions

The original recipe from Campania is made with homemade white bread and buffalo mozzarella.
In Rome, where the dish was quickly copied, they use toast bread, and fior di latte instead of buffalo mozzarella. To spice up the recipe a little, people also like to add anchovies or ham.
In Venice, you will find mozzarella in carrozza in every bàcari, the typical Venetian bars where people eat while standing. The Venetians use tramezzini bread and a dough made from milk, eggs, flour and yeast, and only then do they fry the sandwich.

Mozzarella in a carriage

Fried mozzarella sandwich

5 from 3 votes

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Total Time 20 mins

Course Appetizer, small hunge, Snack, starter

Cuisine Campania, Italian

Servings 2 sevings

Calories 72 kcal

Ingredients

 

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• 2 large slices homemade bread
• 1 buffalo mozzarella
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 pinch salt
• pepper, freshly ground
• oil, for frying

Instructions

 

• Use a glass to cut out 4 circles of equal size from the bread slices. The glass should have about the same diameter as the mozzarella. Drain the mozzarella, cut it in half and place one half between two slices of bread.
• Flour the sandwiches well from all sides. Whisk the egg on a plate with milk, salt and pepper and dip the mozzarella sandwiches into it. Leave them on the plate for 5 minutes so that the liquid can soak into the bread.
• Heat plenty of oil and fry the sandwiches until golden brown and crispy. The mozzarella should melt. Briefly place the sandwiches on some kitchen roll so that it absorbs the excess oil. Serve while still very hot with a green salad and fresh pesto or with currant jam.

Notes

If you are in the mood for hearty flavours, you can, for example as the Romans do, add an anchovy or a slice of ham between the mozzarella and the bread. We especially like mozzarella in carrozza with a dried tomato on top of the cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 72 kcalCarbohydrates: 7 gProtein: 4 gFat: 3 gSaturated Fat: 1 gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1 gMonounsaturated Fat: 1 gCholesterol: 84 mgSodium: 64 mgPotassium: 60 mgSugar: 1 gVitamin A: 158 IUCalcium: 43 mgIron: 1 mg

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Buon appetito!