Suppli al Telefono

5 from 22 votes

These Suppli al Telefono are made with a simple sauce, rice and fresh mozzarella. Best known as a rustic Roman street food.

Prep Time25

Cook Time25

Total Time50

Course: Antipasti, Main Dish, Snack

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: suppli

Calories: 172kcal

Author: Rosemary Molloy

Ingredients

SUPPLI

1-2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic (whole)
⅞ cup tomato puree
¾ cup arborio rice (uncooked)
3-4 cups vegetable broth*
¼ - ½ teaspoon salt*
1-2 dashes black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 small fresh mozzarella (sliced into thick strips)

*Depending on how salty your broth is a pinch or two might be all that is necessary.

EXTRAS

1 large egg (beaten)
½ cup bread crumbs
vegetable oil for frying

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a medium/large frying pan add the olive oil, garlic and puree, cook for approximately 10 minutes, then remove the garlic, add the rice, stir and cook for 1 minute. Add the hot broth 1-2 ladles at a time, stirring often until the rice is cooked (not mushy) and the mixture is liquid free but creamy, add pepper and taste for salt. Stir in the parmesan cheese. Move to a clean bowl and let cool completely.
Into the palm of your hand measure out approximately (best to wear gloves it is a bit messy) 1 1/2 heaping tablespoon of the rice mixture (you can make them smaller if you wish), in the middle place a stick of chopped mozzarella, mold into a oblong shape, making sure that the mozzarella is completely covered (you may need a bit more rice mixture to close it completely). Set aside on a clean plate until all Suppli are formed.
In a small bowl beat an egg, and place the bread crumbs in a plate, first roll the suppli in the egg (coating well) and then in the bread crumbs (well coated) set aside until all are rolled.
In a medium pot heat 2 inches of vegetable oil until it reaches the temperature of 350° (175 C). Fry turning the supple a few times, until golden brown, make sure to keep the oil as close to 350F as possible or the Suppli will cook too quickly and the mozzarella will not become soft and stringy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on plate covered with paper towels. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

Can they be made in the oven?

Yes they can be baked, place the breaded suppli on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil and bake in a pre-heated 350F (180C) oven for approximately 20-30 minutes. Serve immediately.

How to store it

They are definitely best when just made although you can keep leftovers wrapped in plastic and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, be sure to re-heat them either in a microwave or on a cookie sheet in a low oven until heated through.

To freeze them, place the unbaked suppli on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and freeze until firm, approximately 30-40 minutes, then move to a freezer bag or container. They will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. To bake, remove from the freezer and thaw for about 15 minutes at room temperature before frying.

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