In the realm of culinary delights, where flavors dance and aromas intertwine, lies a dish that embodies the essence of summer's bounty: Basil Stuffed Squash Blossoms. This exquisite dish showcases the vibrant hues and delicate flavors of fresh squash blossoms, artfully stuffed with a savory mixture of herbs, cheese, and sun-ripened tomatoes. Each bite offers a symphony of textures, from the crisp outer layer of the blossom to the soft, creamy filling. The tantalizing aroma of basil and garlic wafts through the air, inviting diners to embark on a culinary journey. Whether you prefer to fry them until golden brown or bake them to perfection, these stuffed squash blossoms are sure to leave a lasting impression. This article presents a collection of carefully curated recipes that celebrate the versatility of this dish, offering both traditional and innovative variations to suit every palate. From classic Italian recipes to modern interpretations, these recipes will guide you in creating a delightful appetizer or a stunning main course that will impress your guests.
Let's cook with our recipes!
STUFFED SQUASH BLOSSOMS
Provided by Michael Symon : Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Prepare a grill for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the hot coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only to medium-high heat. Heat about 4 inches of oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over direct heat until it reaches 350 degrees F.
- Combine the ricotta, parsley and lemon zest in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Place a tablespoon of the filling into each zucchini blossom, sealing them by bringing the petals up around the filling and giving them a little twist.
- Season the flour with salt and pepper, then dredge the blossoms first in the flour, then in the eggs and then again in the flour, being sure to shake off any excess flour.
- Working in batches if needed, carefully drop the blossoms into the oil. (Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.) Cook until golden brown and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove the blossoms to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and season lightly with sea salt. Serve immediately.
- (Alternatively, you can fry the blossoms over medium-high heat on a stovetop.)
SQUASH BLOSSOMS STUFFED WITH RICOTTA
Talk about flower power. As every gardener knows, late summer brings a bumper crop of zucchini and, better yet, of zucchini blossoms-known in Italy as fiori di zucca. Here, the tender yellow-orange blooms are filled with ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and mint, then batter-fried. Served alongside an easy tomato sauce (dip as you like), they make an irresistible first course or, with the addition of a green salad, a satisfying main.
Provided by Andrea Albin
Categories Tomato Quick & Easy Dinner Parmesan Ricotta Mint Summer Deep-Fry Gourmet Vegetarian Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Makes 4 (first course) or 2 (main course) servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Make tomato sauce:
- Cook garlic and red pepper flakes in oil in a 2-quarts heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring, until garlic is golden, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, water, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 25 to 30 minutes.
- Prepare squash blossoms:
- Stir together ricotta, yolk, mint, 1/3 cup parmesan, and 1/8 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
- Carefully open each blossom and fill with about 2 rounded teaspoon ricotta filling, gently twisting end of blossom to enclose filling. (You may have filling left over.)
- Whisk together flour, remaining 1/3 cup parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and seltzer in a small bowl.
- Heat 1/2 inch oil to 375°F in a 10-inch heavy skillet. Meanwhile, dip half of blossoms in batter to thinly coat. Fry coated blossoms, turning once, until golden, 1 to 2 minutes total. Transfer with tongs to paper towels to drain. Coat and fry remaining blossoms. (Return oil to 375°F between batches.) Season with salt. Serve with tomato sauce.
OVEN ROASTED STUFFED SQUASH BLOSSOMS
Oven roasting the squash blossoms, instead of frying, makes this a nice light summer dish. Pick your squash blossoms early in the day, and store in the fridge until ready to use. Top with some fresh basil pesto for added yum!
Provided by CJ
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Vegetable Zucchini Appetizer Recipes
Time 45m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat; add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in chard and cook until soft, about 10 minutes. Add basil, salt, and pepper, and cook until basil is soft, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely, about 15 minutes. Place cooled chard mixture between 2 towels and press to remove excess moisture.
- Stir chevre and chard mixture together in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Fill zucchini blossoms about 3/4 full with the goat chevre mixture, and pinch the ends closed. Place filled blossoms in a roasting pan; drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast in the preheated oven until blossoms are hot, about 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 244.2 calories, Carbohydrate 16.6 g, Cholesterol 16.8 mg, Fat 17.3 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 10.6 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 309 mg, Sugar 8 g
BASIL-STUFFED SQUASH BLOSSOMS
Wrap basil around ricotta and bocconcini and tuck it all into delicate, fresh squash blossoms. Dip in egg and then in cornmeal, and fry as a first course teeming with tender seasonal goodness.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Put ricotta in a fine sieve set over a bowl. Let drain in refrigerator 3 hours or overnight. Discard liquid.
- Season ricotta with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper; stir until smooth. Transfer to a large pastry bag fitted with a coupler. Pipe 1 tablespoon ricotta onto 1 basil leaf. Place a small piece of bocconcini on top of ricotta; pinch leaf closed. Carefully open 1 squash blossom; place stuffed basil leaf inside blossom. Press gently to seal. Repeat with remaining basil leaves and squash blossoms.
- Heat about 3 inches oil in a medium heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until it registers 365 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer. Put eggs and cornmeal in separate small bowls. Dip 1 stuffed blossom into the eggs, then into the cornmeal to coat. Fry in batches of 2 to 3 until golden, about 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer to paper towels using a slotted spoon; let drain. Season with salt. Serve immediately.
STUFFED SQUASH BLOSSOMS WITH CREAM CHEESE AND BACON
My own recipe for stuffed deep-fried squash blossoms, adapted from others using cream cheese as the filling base.
Provided by beffymaroo
Categories Vegetable
Time 25m
Yield 5-6 blossoms, 2-3 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Put the cream cheese in a bowl to soften for a few minutes before you start.
- Combine basil, bacon, salt, pepper, onion, and cream cheese.
- Spoon about 1 tsp or a little more of the cream cheese mixture into the blossoms, depending on their size.
- Gently twist the ends of the petals together.
- Combine flour and cornmeal, with a little salt if you like.
- Whisk egg white into water thoroughly.
- Dip each blossom into the egg white mixture, keeping petals twisted, then roll it in the flour/cornmeal.
- Place filled blossoms in the fridge for 7-10 minutes.
- Heat 1-2" oil in a sturdy pot, to about 350 degrees F.
- Fry blossoms until golden brown, turning occasionally.
- Drain on paper towels and serve!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 162.2, Fat 9.5, SaturatedFat 4.8, Cholesterol 28.3, Sodium 192.9, Carbohydrate 13.1, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 1, Protein 6.1
Tips:
- Choose the right squash blossoms: Select male blossoms, as they are the ones that produce pollen and are best for stuffing.
- Handle the squash blossoms with care: They are delicate, so be gentle when picking and stuffing them.
- Prepare the filling in advance: This will save you time and make the assembly process easier.
- Use fresh herbs and spices: They will add flavor and aroma to the dish.
- Don't overcook the squash blossoms: They should be cooked until they are just tender, but still retain their vibrant color.
Conclusion:
Basil Stuffed Squash Blossoms are a delicious and elegant appetizer or side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With their delicate flavor and beautiful presentation, they are sure to impress your guests. So next time you have some fresh squash blossoms, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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