Frittatine di Pasta alla Napoletana (Fried Neapolitan Pasta and Ham Frittata Bites)

Ingredients

• 250 g penne
• 100 g cooked ham slices
• 120 g mozzarella, grated
• 100 g frozen peas
• 40 g butter
• 40 g plain flour
• 400 ml whole milk
• 2 egg, beaten
• 100 g fine dried breadcrumbs
• 500 ml vegetable oil for frying

Method

1. 1

   Cook the penne in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and chop roughly. Cook the peas in boiling water for 3 minutes and drain.

2. 2

   Melt the butter in a pan, stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in the milk and cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until you have a thick sauce.

3. 3

   Stir the pasta, chopped ham, peas and mozzarella into the sauce and season with black pepper. Spread onto a tray and chill for 30 minutes until firm.

4. 4

   Shape the mixture into 12 small balls or patties, then dip each in the beaten egg and roll in the breadcrumbs.

5. 5

   Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan to 180C and fry the frittatine in batches for 3-4 minutes until deep golden and crisp.

6. 6

   Drain on paper towel and serve hot.