Nothing says summer quite like fresh from the garden Fried Zucchini Flowers! While this may seem like a scary undertaking, once you get the hang of it, you will be a pro in no time. Also, did we mention these babies freeze well and make an impressive appetizer!?!
Difficulty Meter: Intermediate
Makes about 35-40 (depending on the size of the flower)
Ingredients:
35-40 Zucchini Flowers
oil (canola or grapeseed)
large pot for frying (or if you have - use a fryer)
Filling:
8oz package cream or nuftachel cheese
1/2 cup favorite herbs - we used basil and chives
3 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese
3/4 cup mozzarella cheese (grated)
1 Teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt & Pepper to taste
Batter:
3/4 cup corn startch
1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon old bay seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon Unsweetened Vanilla Almond milk
Chefs Tip: If you are harvesting zucchini flowers for the first time:
pick the male flowers - which have longer and thinner stems than their female counterparts
don't over pick, as eliminating all the male flowers won't allow for pollination and therefore will drastically cut your actual harvest. Leave at least 2 male flowers per plant each time you go out to collect.
Grab herbs and flowers from your garden or the grocery store :-)
Chop herbs and remove stamens from flowers. (Also, check to make sure there are no bugs in the flowers....you probably wouldn't want that added protein:-)
Can you spot the bug in the flower? Nalo was trying to help look for it! Haha
Mix all filling ingredients into the cream cheese.
Now to make the batter...
All batter ingredients when mixed should have a thin pancake like consistency.
Next, fill flowers with cheese filling.
Dip filled flowers in batter.
Once dipped, drop into the hot oil.
Let cook until golden brown about 3-5 minutes
Empty on to your favorite plate.
Enjoy hot out of the fryer or make ahead and freeze. To thaw, place directly from the freezer onto a baking sheet and put under the broiler for 3-7mins (depending on your oven).
Bon Appétit!
X ~ The Sibs
Janna, Jared & Jenneka
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