Breaded chicken balls with cheese

Ingredients:

• 450 g of minced chicken
• 1/2 tsp Italian spice mix
• 1 large egg
• 1.25 cups breadcrumbs
• 15 cubes of part-skim mozzarella, 1.5 cm each (450 g bar)
• 2 tbsp. l. grated parmesan cheese
• Warm marinara sauce for dipping
• Vegetable oil for deep-frying
• Special equipment: deep fat thermometer

Preparation:

1. Pour oil into a large cast-iron Dutch oven or saucepan until it's halfway full. Attach a deep-fry thermometer to the side. Preheat over medium heat to 180°C.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs with Italian seasonings, 1 teaspoon of salt and a couple of pinches of pepper.
3. Scoop 2 heaping tablespoons of the chicken mixture and use the palm of your hand to form a flat shape 5 cm in diameter. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Wrap the mozzarella mixture around the cheese, forming a ball. Place on a plate or baking sheet and repeat with the remaining cheese and chicken mixture.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the Parmesan, remaining 1 cup breadcrumbs, and 1 teaspoon salt.
   
   One at a time, roll the chicken balls in the breadcrumb mixture, coating completely and pressing the crumbs into the ball so the coating adheres well.
5. Deep-fry the meatballs in batches for 6-8 minutes until cooked through and deep golden brown.
6. Serve the chicken balls with marinara dipping sauce.
   
   Recipe potato balls with cheese breaded.