Make Ahead

Pan Fried Zucchini Flowers

by:
March 16, 2011
4.7
3 Ratings
Pan Fried Zucchini Flowers
  • Serves 4
Author Notes

Stuffed with handmade ricotta and fresh herbs these zucchini flowers are succulent. —Viviane Bauquet Farre

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • Batter
  • 1 cup unbleached white flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 1 large organic egg
  • Stuffing and Flowers
  • 1 large organic egg – lightly beaten
  • 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
  • 1 shallot – finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped garden herbs (Italian parsley, basil, oregano, thyme and sage)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 16 large or 20 small fresh zucchini flowers
  • 1/2 cup olive oil for pan-frying (or enough oil to cover the pan generously)
Directions
  1. For the batter - mix flour, salt and water in a large bowl. Set aside and let stand for 1 hour. Just before dipping the flowers into the batter whisk in the egg.
  2. For the stuffing – mix the egg, ricotta, shallot, herbs, salt and pepper until well blended and set aside.
  3. To stuff the flowers – make a slit lengthwise in each flower and remove the stamen. Using a dessert spoon, place a small amount of the stuffing at the base of each flower and twist the petals so that the stuffing is held safely inside the flower. Place on a baking sheet.
  4. Heat a large heavy-bottom skillet to high heat. Add the oil. When the oil is hot, dip each flower in the batter and add them to the pan. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until golden. Flip the flowers and continue to sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until golden. Repeat until all flowers have been used, reducing the heat to medium-high when the pan is very hot so the oil doesn’t burn.
  5. To serve, overlap 4 to 6 flowers in the center of each plate and serve immediately.
  6. Cook's note - The flowers must be served piping hot, they become soggy as they cool.
  7. © 2011 Viviane Bauquet Farre — Food & Style NY LLC. Foodandstyle.com
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  • MyCommunalTable
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  • Viviane Bauquet Farre
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5 Reviews

MyCommunalTable
MyCommunalTable March 16, 2011
I am saving this recipe for the first sign of zucchini flowers. Sounds great.
 
mrslarkin
mrslarkin March 16, 2011
Oh, how I love fiori di zucca! One of the benefits of having a dad with an awesome garden. Thanks for the great recipe!
 
Viviane B.
Viviane B. March 16, 2011
You are so welcome! Thank you so much for your comment... I'm starting a vegetable garden this year. I think I will be planting an entire bed of zucchini plants, just for the flowers!
 
hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour March 16, 2011
Recipes like this make me sad that I have to wait until the end of summer for squash blossoms! Lovely.
 
Viviane B.
Viviane B. March 16, 2011
I know just what you mean... except I'll be able to get them as early as late spring. I am already counting the days! Thank you so much for your comment - put a smile on my face.