Fried Burrata Cheese in Spicy Tomato Sauce

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Course: Small Bites | Serves: 12 

Fried burrata cheese in a spicy tomato sauce is served with a baguette or crackers on the side. Delicious and perfect for a starter or as a side to an Italian meal. Inspired by Moribyan of Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/DDnQm-Pybq2/?hl=en 

2 15 oz garlic fire-roasted tomatoes

7 garlic cloves

½ cup panko crumbs

1 egg

1 burrata ball, dried in a paper towel

Salt and pepper, to taste

Red pepper flakes, to taste

Olive oil, for frying

1 baguette, sliced

Basil, for garnish

Puree tomatoes and garlic in a blender. Simmer in a saucepan over low heat stirring in salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with salt and pepper. Season panko crumbs with salt and pepper in another bowl. Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat with enough olive oil to nearly cover the burrata when frying. Place the burrata ball in the egg mixture, then dip and coat well in the panko crumbs. Gently set burrata into the hot oil with a slotted spoon utensil and fry turning so all sides are a beautiful golden brown. Spoon hot tomato sauce into a bowl, remove the cheese ball with the slotted spoon, and into the spicy sauce. Serve hot with the sliced baguette.