Mozzarella sticks

• mozzarella↗400g block g

  (not in water)

• flour↗50g g
• eggs↗2
• breadcrumbs↗150g g
• smoked paprika↗2 tsp tsp
• dried oregano↗2 tsp tsp
• vegetable or sunflower oil

  for frying

• dips

  to serve

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Cut the mozzarella into ‘chips’. Tip the flour into a bowl and season well. Whisk the eggs in a second bowl and tip the breadcrumbs, paprika and oregano into a third. Coat the mozzarella sticks in the flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs. Transfer to a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 2 hrs.

2. 2

   Heat enough oil to come 2-3cm up the side of a saucepan. When hot, drop in a test chip – it should sizzle straight away and brown within a minute or two. The secret is to cook them long enough to crisp up the outside without letting the mozzarella ooze out – it may take you a few practice chips to get it right. Cook the chips in batches and drain on kitchen paper. Serve hot with your favourite dip.