St■ Zucchini Flowers are a vibrant and exquisite dish that showcases the beauty of summer produce. These delicate blossoms, often found in Mediterranean cuisine, are not just visually stunning but also bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 cup of homemade ricotta cheese
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup of fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or chives), finely chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
12 large zucchini flowers, cleaned and stems trimmed
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1 cup of sparkling water or club soda
Salt to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped herbs, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Stuff the Flowers: Carefully open each zucchini flower, gently fill each blossom with about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture, and twist the ends of the flower to seal it closed.
Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sparkling water, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat.
Fry the Flowers: Dip each st■ zucchini flower into the batter and carefully place it into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.