Hot sandwich “Mozzarella in a carriage”

Ingredients:

• 700 g thin slices of smoked mozzarella
• 12 slices of whole grain bread
• 18 fresh large basil leaves
• 8 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil, for frying
• 2 cups (approximately) premium flour
• 1 tbsp. store-bought pesto

Preparation:

1. Divide half the cheese evenly between six slices of bread. Top with basil leaves, then the remaining cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, pressing gently to create six sandwiches.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and black pepper until foamy. Place the flour in a medium bowl. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, add enough vegetable oil to come 1/2 inch up the sides of the pan. Heat the oil over medium heat. Dredge the sandwiches in the flour to lightly coat, then dip them in the egg mixture to coat completely, and place them in the hot oil. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sandwiches are golden and crispy on all sides, about 3 minutes per side. Cut the sandwiches into triangles. Transfer to a platter and serve with pesto.