Tuna In Carrozza

We have a delicious Italian snack called Mozzarella in Carrozza.  This is where we tuck the mozzarella inside the bread, dip it in eggs, milk and then fry it. In our house we make Tuna in Carrozza because we like tuna sandwiches and this elevates them a bit.  Someone asked me where the original sandwich gets its name.  Well, when you eat one the strands of melted mozzarella pull away from the sandwich and resemble the reins of a horse and carriage. 

In this sandwich, do not use fresh mozzarella; it is best to use the commercial brick one. The high moisture of fresh mozzarella will not work.  I also use a Panko crust on the bread after I dip into the egg and milk. Set out your stations before starting, this way everything is ready to go. This is a great recipe for a quick lunch or supper on a busy winter’s day. Serve with a bowl of hot soup or fries on the side and watch the family smile.

For another great tuna recipe on my blog https://recipesatmytable.com/tuna-cakes-with-roasted-garlic-aioli/

Ingredients for tuna in carrozza

• 4 slices bread
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 can tuna
• 1 stalk celery (chopped)
• 2tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp relish
• 1tsp lemon juice
• salt and pepper
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• couple of tbsp of olive oil for frying

Process

Beat the milk and eggs.  This makes a custard for the bread.In another bowl mix the bread crumbs with some salt and pepper and stir. Put the tuna in a bowl and add the celery,mayonnaise, relish, lemon juice, salt and pepper. You can add anything into the tuna; sometimes I add chopped shallots, dried cranberries, celery or anything that adds crunch.

Now you are ready to assemble.  Top two slices of bread with some tuna mixture.On top of this spread the shredded mozzarella and pat it down.  Top with the remaining bread slices and pat down gently. You can also add your favourite mustard to the bread or smear each inside slice with butter.

Dip both sides and all the edges of the sandwich into the custard mixture and then into the Panko bread crumbs. The magic happens when you dip the bread into the Panko crumbs. Put the sandwiches on a plate and refrigerate to firm them up. This is the secret. 

Place a pan of medium heat and add the olive oil.  You will know when it is ready by dropping in a few bread crumbs.  If they bubble away, put in your sandwiches. 

Cook until golden brown. Place on paper towels to drain.  Season with a bit more salt and pepper. YUM!!

Print

Tuna In Carrozza

Author Renata Solski

Ingredients

• 4 slices bread
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 can tuna
• 1 stalk celery chopped
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp relish
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• salt and pepper
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• couple of tbsp of olive oil for frying

Instructions

1. Beat the milk and eggs.  This makes a custard for the bread.In another bowl mix the bread crumbs with some salt and pepper and stir. Put the tuna in a bowl and add the celery,mayonnaise, relish, lemon juice, salt and pepper. You can add anything into the tuna; sometimes I add chopped shallots, dried cranberries, celery or anything that adds crunch.
2. Now you are ready to assemble.  Top two slices of bread with some tuna mixture.On top of this spread the shredded mozzarella and pat it down.  Top with the remaining bread slices and pat down gently. You can also add your favourite mustard to the bread or smear each inside slice with butter.
3. Dip both sides and all the edges of the sandwich into the custard mixture and then into the Panko bread crumbs. The magic happens when you dip the bread into the Panko crumbs. Put the sandwiches on a plate and refrigerate to firm them up. This is the secret.
4. Place a pan of medium heat and add the olive oil.  You will know when it is ready by dropping in a few bread crumbs.  If they bubble away, put in your sandwiches.
5. Cook until golden brown and place on paper towels to drain.  Season with a bit more salt and pepper.