Fried Mozzarella Sticks with Smoky Tomato Sauce

• Slice the Mozzarella into even sticks (about 1.5cm thick and 3cm wide).
• Set up three bowls: flour in the first, whisked egg mixture in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with Italian herbs in the third.
• Roll each cheese stick in flour, dip it into the egg, and coat it in breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a second coat; this extra layer is crucial to keep the cheese from leaking while frying.
• Place the coated sticks on a tray and chill them in the freezer for at least 1 hour to firm up.
• While the sticks are chilling, combine the tomato and onion relish, tomato sauce, smoked paprika, sugar, and your choice of vinegar in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, until thick and glossy. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool. If you like a smoother sauce, you can blend it until smooth in a standing blender or with an immersion blender.
• Heat about 4cm of oil in a deep pan. Fry the chilled sticks in small batches for 1–2 minutes, until deep golden brown and crispy.
• Drain briefly on paper towels and serve immediately while hot and stretchy with a generous side of your smoky tomato dipping sauce.

Enjoy!