Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients

• 1 lb. block mozzarella cheese, cut into 3-inch by 1/2-inch sticks
• 3⁄4 cup flour
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups Italian bread crumbs
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. chile flakes
• Kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• canola oil, for frying