Ever since I made that Garlic Chicken Wrapped in Potato Jackets, I’ve been wanting to wrap some other food item in crispy goodness. Didn’t think this idea would happen so soon. Finally, here we are.
What’s not to love about Caprese? When done right, and by right, I mean with good quality ingredients. With luscious sweet tomatoes, salty mozzarella, good-quality olive oil, and peppery fresh basil, you have a perfect meal. Seriously, a summer’s bounty of gorgeous, fresh tomatoes is made for this dish. This Crunchy Fried Potato Caprese is next level.
Why did I feel I needed to take the perfect dish – Caprese a step further? Because I’m the Mad Hausfrau. That’s why.
I hauled out the spiralizer, peeled some potatoes, and heated some oil. Then I was in business.
Well, almost in business.
Because it was no easy task to get the spiralized potatoes wrapped around the caprese for this Crunchy Fried Potato Caprese. Honestly, I almost gave up several times. However, after a few practice runs, I finally was able to make it work.
Tips:
The egg-shaped tomatoes are easier to wrap than the round ones.
The other trick to wrapping is to tuck, tuck, tuck like a drag queen. Those potato strand ends, especially when you are using more than one strand to wrap, must be secured. Otherwise, the entire thing will unravel while you are trying to fry it. It’s just sad when that happens. Not to mention the mess it creates in the pan.
I made two versions. The appetizer-sized variety I brought to a dinner party received great reviews. These reheat well in the microwave, btw.
The alternate version used bigger tomatoes and large slices of mozzarella for a meal-sized portion. Paired with a simple green salad, this makes a perfect summer meal.
I am sure this will not be the last wrapped recipe in this space. My brain is now buzzing with some other possibilities.
Caprese in Crunchy Fried Potato Jackets
Ingredients
- 2 large long shaped potatoes
- 1 dozen small grape or cherry tomatoes.
- 1 dozen small mozzarella balls or pearls
- olive oil
- 2 dozen basil leaves
Instructions
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Peel the potatoes and use a spiralizer to cut them into thin ribbons.
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Cut the tomatoes in half.
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Cut the mozzarella balls in half
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Place one basil leaf on top of the cut side of the tomatoes.
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Place the mozzarella on top of the basil and wrap the Caprese as tight as you can with a strand of potato without breaking it.
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Use a toothpick* to tuck the end in, Make sure it is well secured.
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Heat a layer of olive oil in a large frying pan.
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Place the potato-wrapped caprese in the skillet and fry on both sides until golden.
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Use tongs to gently turn the bundles.
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Transfer the fried Caprese to a serving platter and serve.
Recipe Notes
*soak the toothpicks in water overnight before using.
Like these Crunchy Fried Potato Caprese? Also, check out some of these other recipes:
LADYBUG CAPRESE APPETIZER
GARLIC CHICKEN WRAPPED IN POTATO JACKETS
MANGO MACADAMIA CAPRESE SALAD
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