New to the Crosta & Mollica oven-ready range of frozen products in the United Kingdom are two aperitivo snacks: Truffled Mushroom Arancini and Cacio e Pepe Pasta Fritta, distributed respectively in 280g and 225 gram packs Made in Italy, both require minimal preparation and are available exclusively at Ocado for £5.50.
Restaurant quality Crosta & Mollica offerings first entered Britain’s oven-ready sector during 2022 with the Al Forno line launch. The brand continues to cater to the growing UK market for Italian cuisine with the latest debut, which is distributed in recyclable packaging.
Truffled Mushroom Arancini, a speciality originating in Sicily, features rice balls containing a center of sauteed porcini and field mushrooms with a hint of summer truffle, combined with Grana Padano cheese, garlic, onion, parsley, chives and thyme. The center is covered in risotto rice and coated with a blend of breadcrumbs and cracked black pepper, then pre-fried to create a golden-brown, crispy outer layer. It can be oven-baked in 11-12 minutes.
Cacio e Pepe Pasta Fritta bites are a created with a combination of macaroni pasta, Pecorino cheese and a besciamella sauce, which is then balled and coated with breadcrumbs and cracked black pepper. The pasta balls are pre-fried to achieve a crispy outer texture and a smooth center. Oven-baking time is also 11-12 minutes.
Crosta & Mollica is a certified as a B-Corporation, becoming the first UK-based Italian food brand to achieve the status. In addition to aperitivo snacks, its other frozen products include a variety of desserts, pizza, and ready meals such as Lasagne Porcini Mushroom & Prosciutto Ham, and Gnocchi Tomato, Basil & Buffalo Mozzarella.
