Fried Mozzarella & Tomato over Greens W/ a Basil Vinaigrette
- 4 mozzarella cheese slices, fairly thick slices (fresh mozarella)
- 2 eggs, beaten (2 medium or large, or 1 extra large or jumbo)
- 13 cup flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 tomatoes, slices thick sliced (use a nice hearty tomato)
- 4 cups spring greens, 1 cup per person (I use a bag of spring, mesculin, or buttery greens for this dish)
- salt
- pepper
- 23 cup fresh basil leaf, and rough chopped (lightly packed)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin if you have it)
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- salt
- pepper
- parmesan cheese, fresh grated (optional)
- Cheese -- I like to make the cheese first.
- This way they can rest in the refrigerator and firm up a bit before sauteing.
- NOTE: Use dental floss to make a nice easy clean cut through the fresh mozzarella.
- It is easy and no clean up.
- You can also freeze the mozzarella for a bit 15-20 minutes which will also make it easier to slice if using a knife.
- Set up a breading station, 3 small plates or bowls; 1) flour, 2) eggs (beaten), and 3) bread crumbs.
- Dip each slice in the flour coating well, but make sure to shake off any extra, then the egg, and finally the bread crumbs.
- Make sure to press the bread crumbs in well.
- Place the cheese slices on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper or even foil and then refrigerate.
- I like to do this about 30 minutes ahead of time.
- Once it is chilled and firm, they are easier to saute.
- Vinaigrette -- I like to do this in a mini food processor or a blender works great.
- I just add it all and blend.
- There is such a small amount of olive oil, I just mix it all at once.
- Just blend until everything is mixed and pureed well.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Salad -- Add your favorite mix of greens to a bowl and toss with just a teaspoon of the vinaigrette.
- You don't want to weigh down the salad.
- Just a light drizzle is all you need.
- Mozzarella -- In a large non-stick pan (works best) add the olive oil and bring to medium high to high heat.
- The mozzarella doesn't take long so have everything ready to go as far as plating.
- Add the mozzarella to the hot oil and saute 2-3 minutes until golden brown on each side.
- A little may seep, drip or ooze out, but that is ok.
- Remove immediately from the heat and put the cheese back on the plate or baking sheet with the parchment to slightly cool, just a few minutes as you plate your salad.
- Plate -- Then on each plate, add the greens and top with one of the tomato slices.
- Lightly seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Then top with the mozzarella slice, the remaining tomato slice.
- Again, season lightly with salt and pepper.
- And to finish -- drizzle the remain vinaigrette over each of the top tomato slices.
- Top with fresh grated parmesan if you want.
- Serve -- ENJOY!
mozzarella cheese, eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, olive oil, tomatoes, spring greens, salt, pepper, fresh basil leaf, olive oil, white wine vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese
Taken from www.food.com/recipe/fried-mozzarella-tomato-over-greens-w-a-basil-vinaigrette-429411 (may not work)