frensh chees albaraka

Ingredients

250g mozzarella or Emmental cheese, cut into sticks (about 1×6 cm each)
2 eggs
100g all-purpose flour
150g breadcrumbs (chapelure or panko)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional for extra crunch)
½ teaspoon black pepper
A pinch of salt
A pinch of dried thyme or Herbes de Provence (optional)
Oil for frying (vegetable oil or nigella oil, for example)

How to prepare

1- Prep the cheese sticks:
Cut the cheese into equal-sized sticks and place them in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
2- Prepare the coating stations:
Place the flour in one bowl.
In a second bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with cornstarch and herbs if using.
3- Coat the cheese:
Dredge each cheese stick in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
For an extra crispy crust, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps to create a double coating.
Chill the coated sticks in the fridge for another 15 minutes (or freeze for 5 minutes) to help the coating set.
4- Fry the cheese sticks:
Heat oil in a deep pan to medium-high (around 170°C / 340°F).
Fry the sticks for 1–2 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.