Cheesy Fried Rigatonis

1/8/2021

Cheesy Fried Rigatonis

Prep Time: 25 Min
Cook Time: Variable
Chill Time: 45 Min +

Yields: 50

Heat a large, salted pot of cold water on medium high heat. Once boiled, add the rigatonis and cook to al dente according to package directions. Strain, and rinse under cold water for a minute or so to cool off while you prepare the filling.

Note: Rigs must be cooled completely before piping.

In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine all the filling ingredients, stirring to combine everything thoroughly. Load the filling into a piping bag with the round tip attached.

Begin piping the filling into each of the rigatoni noodles, transferring them to a parchment lined baking sheet after filling. Continue until all rigs are filled. Place the rigs into the freezer for 15 minutes while you prepare the breading station.

Set out 3 bowls. Fill the first one with the all-purpose flour. Whisk together the two eggs along with a dash of cold water and a pinch of salt and pepper in the second bowl. Lastly, add the breadcrumbs, grana Padano cheese, and Italian seasoning to the remaining bowl.

Remove the rigs from the freezer and set the baking sheet next to your breading station. Use one hand for wet and the other for dry to avoid clumping flour / breadcrumbs. Start by dropping a few rigs into the flour and tossing them with your dry hand. Shake off excess and drop them in the egg. Toss them around with your wet hand and transfer them to the crumb mixture. Pat them gently and and roll them around to coat evenly including the open sides of the noodles where the filling is exposed. Return them to the baking sheet and continue until they are all breaded.

Freeze for 30 minutes prior to cooking. If you’re not frying all of them, simply place them in a sealed container for up to two months.

Remove desired number of rigs from the freezer. Heat vegetable / canola oil to 375 F. Carefully drop the rigs in without overcrowding the pan. Let them sizzle away for up to 2 minutes until golden brown. Flip, and continue to fry another minute or so until golden brown on all sides. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate and sprinkle them immediately with sea salt.