Stuffed mozzarella with MARTINO’s Couscous

Italy has always been a synonym for “good food,” offering an unmistakable explosion of flavors, scents, and aromas. But when it comes to the ultimate Italian culinary symbol, mozzarella deserves its place on the top of the list. What is amazing is that the real Italian mozzarella has been made the same way for over 500 years.

Today we bring you a mouthwatering appetizer that combines this 500-year old traditional Italian cheese with another ancient ingredient: the couscous. Featuring courgettes, anchovies, capper, fresh mozzarella and ricotta cheese this appetizer is ideal for a night over cold glasses of white wine.

Recipe by Giallo Zafferano’ Sara Bonaccorsi

 

Here is how to prepare it this great appetizer with stuffed mozzarella

Ingredients:

• 100 ml of water
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 100 grams of Martino Couscous
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 courgette
• Salt and pepper as needed
• Capper as needed
• Anchovies as needed
• 2 mozzarella balls
• 20 grams of ricotta cheese
• 20 grams of Grana Padano

Directions:

Hydrate the couscous
In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, add 100 ml of water, one teaspoon of salt and bring to a simmer.

When the water is simmering, remove from the heat and sprinkle 100 grams of Martino Couscous. Make sure to distribute the couscous evenly and leave it aside for 4-5 minutes until all the water is completely absorbed.

Now the couscous should be fully hydrated. Pour 1-2 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on top and fluff the couscous with a fork. This will remove any lumps and separate the delicate grains without crushing them to give the couscous a light, fluffy texture.

Prepare the couscous mixture
Pour the hydrated couscous into a large mixing bowl. Use a grater to grate a courgette on top of the couscous. Make sure to grate the courgette into thin and small slices. Sprinkle with olive oil on top and salt and pepper and mix with a spoon. Now add capper and chopped anchovies according to your preference. Mix again.

Prepare the mozzarella
You will need 2 mozzarella balls for this recipe. But of course, if you have many guests you can simply increase all the ingredients to serve more of these mouth-watering mozzarella vessels. To begin with, cut the cheese balls in half horizontally. Lay the halves on a counter and with the help of a spoon remove the center of each half forming a small well. Set the halves aside.

Prepare the cheese mixture
In a small mixing bowl pour 20 grams of ricotta cheese and 20 grams of Grana Padano. Dice the mozzarella that remained into small pieces and add it to the ricotta. Mix well. You can add pepper according to your preference or any other spice that you like.

Time to fill in the mozzarella halves
With the help of a small spoon fill each mozzarella vessel with a small amount of the ricotta mixture. Then add one spoon of the couscous mixture on top. Sprinkle with extra virgin olive oil on top and your appetizer is ready to serve.

Variations

Another great way to serve this appetizer is to place the mozzarella vessels on top of thin tomato slices – especially if you want to give a Mediterranean touch to your dish.

You can use broccoli instead of courgette. You will need to boil the broccoli and pass it through a food processor.

Finally, you can use cream cheese instead of the ricotta cheese. It is up to you.

Stuffed mozzarella is the ideal appetizer to place on top of a wooden plate and next to some of your favorite wine. An intimate encounter with your beloved one or a gathering of close friends? Either way, the stuffed mozzarella appetizer is your go-to recipe for a true Italian experience. Enjoy and don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter to receive all the delicious Martino’s recipes directly in your inbox!

They say love goes through the stomach. And what a better way to treat your beloved partner or friends that a cold glass of your favorite white wine and some true Italian cheese, like mozzarella. Stuff it with your favorite cheeses. Add your favorite spices. Top it with couscous and there you go. Let the evening begin. But don’t forget to leave us a comment to tell us all about it.