Ingredients

  • 2 8-ounce balls fresh water-packed mozzarella cheese, drained, each cut into four 1/3- to 1/2-inch-thick rounds
  • All purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten to blend
  • 3 cups fresh breadcrumbs made from crustless French bread (about 8 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (packed) fresh Italian parsley leaves
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup drained capers
  • 1 2-ounce can anchovy fillets, drained
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Method

  • Coat cheese in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
  • Place on baking sheet.
  • Cover and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in small skillet over low heat.
  • Add garlic; saute about 3 minutes.
  • Transfer mixture to processor.
  • Add parsley leaves, 1/4 cup oil, capers, anchovies, and lemon juice.
  • Blend until coarse paste forms.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • (Cheese and sauce can be prepared 1 day ahead.
  • Cover separately; chill.
  • Rewarm sauce slightly over low heat before serving.)
  • Heat 1/4 cup oil in large skillet over high heat.
  • Working in batches, fry cheese until brown, about 2 minutes per side.
  • Transfer fried cheese to plates.
  • Spoon warm sauce over cheese.