Ingredients
Method
Make the Dough
- Combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl and mix briefly.
- Add the olive oil and warm water. Mix with a fork until shaggy, then turn onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and springs back when pressed lightly.
- Shape into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and leave in a warm spot for 90 minutes until roughly doubled in size.
Make the Tomato Sauce
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not coloured.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens noticeably.
- Remove the garlic, stir in the oregano, and set aside to cool completely. The sauce must be cool before you fill the panzerotti.
Shape and Fill
- Drain the mozzarella cubes on paper towels for at least 30 minutes, pressing gently to remove surface moisture.
- Divide the risen dough into 12 equal pieces, about 45 g each. Roll each piece on a floured surface into a disc roughly 12 cm in diameter and 3 mm thick.
- Place 1 heaped tsp of tomato sauce on one half of each disc, leaving a 1.5 cm border clear. Scatter a small pile of mozzarella cubes over the sauce.
- Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon. Press the edges together firmly with your fingers, then run a fork along the curve twice to seal tightly.
Fry
- Pour the sunflower oil into a deep, heavy saucepan and heat to 175-180 C / 347-356 F over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Carefully lower 2-3 panzerotti into the oil using a slotted spoon. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until they are deep golden brown and blistered on both sides.
- Lift them out with the slotted spoon and set on a wire rack. Let the oil return to temperature between batches before adding the next round.
- Serve immediately while the crust is still crisp and the mozzarella is molten inside.
Notes
Nutrition is estimated per 3 panzerotti and will vary depending on how much oil is absorbed during frying. Keeping the oil at a steady 175-180 C limits absorption significantly.
