FRIED MOZZERELLA WITH ARUGULA AND PROSCIUTTO

Fried Mozzerella with Arugula and Prosciutto image

Provided by Shelley Wiseman

Yield Makes 4 (main course) servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 bunches arugula (3/4 pound total),coarse stems discarded
5 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto (8 to 12 slices)
1 (7-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, rinsed and torn into large pieces
1/3 cup brine-cured black olives
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon anchovy paste
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 large egg whites
1 cup fine dry bread crumbs
About 2 cups olive oil for frying
1 pound salted fresh mozzarella, cut into 4 thick slices (without rounded ends)

Steps:

Divide arugula into 8 small bunches and loosely wrap each with 1 or 2 slices prosciutto. Divide among 4 plates with roasted peppers, olives, and onion.
Whisk together vinegar, anchovy, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Whisk in extra-virgin oil.
Whisk egg whites with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a shallow bowl. Put bread crumbs in another shallow bowl. Double-coat each slice of cheese by dipping in egg mixture, then crumbs, and repeating. Transfer to a plate.
Heat 1/2 inch olive oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Fry coated mozzarella, turning carefully once or twice, until golden and cheese starts to melt but still retains its shape, about 2 minutes total. Drain briefly on paper towels, then transfer to plates.
Drizzle everything with vinaigrette.
Serve with: garlic bread with parsley