**Fried, battered, stuffed.** No matter how you slice it, squash blossoms are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used to create a variety of flavorful dishes. In this post, you'll find four delectable recipes that showcase the delicate flavors of squash blossoms. From a classic Italian-style filling to a unique tempura batter, these recipes offer a range of options to suit every palate.
**Stuffed Squash Blossoms:**
Discover the timeless combination of squash blossoms and a flavorful filling featuring ricotta cheese, herbs, and spices. This classic recipe captures the essence of Italian cuisine, delivering a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
**Squash Blossom Fritters:**
Experience the crispy delight of squash blossom fritters, where delicate blossoms are coated in a light and fluffy batter then fried to perfection. Enjoy these fritters as a savory snack or as part of a main course, paired with your favorite dipping sauce.
**Tempura Squash Blossoms:**
Take a culinary journey to Japan with tempura squash blossoms. These blossoms are dipped in a light and crispy tempura batter, then fried until golden brown. Serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice for a satisfying and unique appetizer or side dish.
**Squash Blossom and Zucchini Soup:**
Indulge in the creamy and comforting flavors of squash blossom and zucchini soup. This velvety smooth soup combines the delicate flavors of squash blossoms and zucchini, creating a delightful and nourishing dish. Perfect for a light lunch or as a starter for a special dinner.
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.
FRIED STUFFED SQUASH BLOSSOMS
If you have a garden and you planted zucchini, you will have an abundance of squash blossoms. These are just amazing, with that tangy goat cheese filling and that batter: so simple, light, and crisp.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Squash Zucchini
Time 1h15m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Prepare a large bowl of ice-cold water. Drop squash blossoms into the boiling water until slightly wilted, 30 to 45 seconds; transfer immediately into the cold water to chill. Remove to paper towels to drain.
- Mix goat cheese, egg yolk, Gruyere cheese, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl; stir until smooth. Spoon filling into a heavy, resealable 1-quart plastic bag, squeeze out the air, and seal the bag. Cut a small corner off the bag.
- Gently insert the cut corner of the bag all the way to the bottom of the open end of a blossom and pipe about 1 tablespoon of filling inside. Pick up petals and drape them up over the filling, covering filling completely. Fold any excess petals over the top of the filled blossom to keep them out of the way. Refrigerate filled squash blossoms until cheese is set and firm, at least 30 minutes.
- Combine self-rising flour and cornstarch in a mixing bowl; whisk in ice-cold water, a little at a time, until batter is smooth and has the thickness of pancake batter.
- Pour vegetable oil to a depth of 1 inch into a heavy skillet (such as a cast iron pan) and place over medium heat. Heat oil until a thermometer placed into the oil, not touching the bottom, reads 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). A drop of batter carefully dripped into the oil should sizzle immediately.
- Remove squash blossoms from refrigerator and dust lightly with all-purpose flour on all sides. Shake off excess flour and dip blossoms in batter. Let excess batter drip off.
- Gently lay coated squash blossoms in the hot oil on their sides; cook about 6 at a time until pale golden brown, 1 minute on the first side and 30 seconds to 1 minute on the remaining sides. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 156.2 calories, Carbohydrate 13.3 g, Cholesterol 30.7 mg, Fat 9.1 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 214.3 mg, Sugar 0.4 g
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.)
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
BATTER FRIED STUFFED SQUASH BLOSSOMS
Delicate squash blossoms are filled with ricotta and mozzarella. To stuff the squash blossoms easily, spoon the filling into a pastry bag fitted with a coupler, then pipe it directly into each blossom.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place ricotta cheese in a double layer of cheesecloth. Tie up ends, and hang over a bowl to drain. Place in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours, or overnight.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and pepper. Slowly add milk to the flour mixture, whisking constantly, until the batter has a slightly thickened and very smooth consistency; set aside.
- Remove ricotta from the cheesecloth, and discard the liquid. In another medium bowl, stir together drained ricotta, mozzarella, marjoram, and parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Gently open the flower petals and, using a small spoon, fill a blossom about 2/3 full with the ricotta mixture. Wrap the petals around the mixture to seal. Using your fingers, gently press the blossom to distribute filling evenly. Repeat, filling all the blossoms.
- In a small saucepan fitted with a deep-frying thermometer, heat olive oil over medium-high heat to 375 degrees. Place the stuffed blossoms in the reserved batter until completely coated. Lift out, and gently drag the blossom against the edge of the bowl to remove excess batter. Carefully slip as many blossoms into the hot oil as will comfortably fit without crowding. Fry the blossoms until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon, and transfer to several layers of paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with salt, and 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
STUFFED SQUASH BLOSSOMS
This recipe is one of my own but was inspired by those that I ate in Greece. The masa harina makes for a more crisp, delicate batter than all-purpose flour or cornmeal. To prepare squash blossoms: cut off the green stems and strip away the stringy inner sepals, leaving the base and stamen intact. While the recipe calls for a gruyere-cheddar blend (available at Trader Joe's), you could substitute 1/2 white cheddar, 1/2 gruyere.
Provided by sofie-a-toast
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 35m
Yield 12 blossoms
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a small bowl, mix together the herbs, shallot and cheese.
- Open up the individual blossoms wide enough to insert a teaspoonful of cheese mixture. Do not overfill or fried blossoms will be soggy. Twist the ends of the blossom together gently. Note: there will probably be leftover of the cheese mixture but never fear, it is absolutely delicious spread on a bagel in the morning.
- In a medium bowl, beat 2 eggs together with 1/4 cup milk. In a separate medium bowl, mix together masa harina, salt, and pepper. Dip each blossom into the egg mixture and then roll quickly and evenly in the masa harina mixture, gently shaking off excess. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
- Pour 1 inch of oil into a small shallow saucepan or skillet. Heat oil to 350 degrees. Deep-fry the blossoms in batches until they begin to turn light golden brown, turning to cook evenly. Drain on baking rack set over paper towels, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 98, Fat 5.3, SaturatedFat 2.8, Cholesterol 43.1, Sodium 121.8, Carbohydrate 8.6, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 0.2, Protein 4.2
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
If you have a garden full of zucchini, acorn squash, pumpkin or other squash or know someone who does then you just have to try these. Use the parmesan cheese if serving as a dish. UIse the powdered sugar and honey if doing as an appetizer
Provided by Stormy Stewart
Categories Other Side Dishes
Time 55m
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- 1. Gently swish the squash blossoms in cold water to clean. Carefully twirl to remove most of the water, then drain thoroughly on paper towels. Set aside. Beat ricotta, cream cheese, red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper until blended. Gently fill each blossom with about 2 teaspoons of the cheese filling. Refrigerate while making batter. In a heavy skillet, heat 2 inches of oil to 375 F over medium heat. While oil is heating, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, celery salt, baking soda, baking powder, egg, and beer until combined. Carefully dip a stuffed blossom into the batter, covering the entire flower, and ease into the hot oil. Brown on one side, then turn to brown the other. Cook only a few at a time so they are not crowded. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining stuffed squash blossoms. Sprinkle stuffed squash blossoms with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese or dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with honey.
Tips:
- Choose male squash blossoms, as they are the ones that produce pollen and have a more delicate flavor.
- Handle the squash blossoms gently to prevent tearing the delicate petals.
- Remove the pistil and stamens from the center of the blossom to prevent bitterness.
- Stuff the blossoms lightly to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Use fresh herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the filling.
- Be careful not to overcook the squash blossoms, as they can become tough and rubbery.
- Serve the stuffed squash blossoms immediately, while they are still warm and crispy.
Conclusion:
Stuffed squash blossoms are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. With their delicate flavor and beautiful presentation, they are sure to impress your guests. So next time you have access to fresh squash blossoms, give this recipe a try - you won't be disappointed!
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