Prep
10 mins
Cook
15 mins
Serves
2
Difficulty
MediumA massive T-bone from Chianina cattle seasoned with salt only and cooked rare over blazing Tuscan oak coals.
Ingredients
- 700g guanciale
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 2 tbsp sliced leeks
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 200g zucchini
- a handful of fresh rosemary, chopped
- a drizzle of Parmesan cheese
- 400ml vegetable stock
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 200g baby spinach
- pine nuts, for serving
Instructions
- 1
Pat the fresh mozzarella dry, season generously with salt, pepper, and fennel seeds, and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- 2
Heat unsalted butter in a wide pan or heavy pot over medium-high heat and sear the fresh mozzarella until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- 3
In the same pan, gently cook the minced garlic and sliced shallots over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the red pepper flakes and zucchini, cooking for a few more minutes so the spices bloom and coat the vegetables.
- 5
Return the fresh mozzarella to the pan, pour in the whole milk, and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- 6
Cover and cook over low heat until the fresh mozzarella is tender and cooked through, roughly 15 mins.
Tips
•For deeper flavor, marinate the fresh mozzarella for at least an hour — or overnight — before cooking.
•Avoid crowding the pan when searing the fresh mozzarella; work in batches so it browns instead of steaming.
•Leftovers taste even better the next day once the spices have had time to mingle — reheat gently over low heat.