There are certain dishes that remind me of summertime in Rome…when certain vegetables are only in season and at their freshest. Zucchini blossoms hold a special place in my heart in the summer, because the are only available at this time, and that they are so delicious and uniquely Italian!
I make them with an extremely light and flavorful batter and flash fry them, no to disturb the delicate texture and interesting characteristics of these flowers. They are the perfect starter for your summer dinner party, or as a passed appetizer at a cocktail party. You can fill them with nothing, or almost anything you like, but traditionally, they are filled with mozzarella and anchovies, which is how I prepared them for this recipe.
If you don’t see them available at your farmer’s market or produce department, ask the manager to order them for you, and they will if they are available near you. If you’ve never tried them before, do it, I can promise you will not regret it and if you have had them before, this recipe will take you straight back to the Eternal City!
Buon Appetito!
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Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 20 blossoms
Description
Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms are a dish that’s uniquely Italian. Stuffed with the traditional mozzarella and anchovies, battered and then fried to perfection.
Ingredients
- vegetable oil for frying
- 20 zucchini blossoms
- 1 large mozzarella ball (cubed)
- 10 anchovies filets (packed in olive oil and halved)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 to 2 cups of iced sparkling water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
Instructions
- Cut the side of each blossom and stuff with one cube of mozzarella and a piece of anchovy, place on a large platter and set aside.
- Pour 3 inches of oil in a large wok or large heavy pot and heat to 375 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, sparkling water and mix until the batter is the consistency of heavy cream.
- Dip 2 zucchini flowers at a time in the batter to coat completely, and let the excess batter drip off.
- Fry the flowers in the hot oil for 1 minute on each side gently rolling them with the help of a spatula, until crisp and golden brown.
- Pull gently out of the oil and set them on a platter lined with paper towels, season with salt and pepper while they are still hot.
- Repeat the steps with the remaining zucchini flowers.
- Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Appetizer
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of mozzarella is best for stuffing the zucchini blossoms?
Use fresh mozzarella for its creamy texture and ability to melt well, enhancing the flavor of the stuffed blossoms.
How can I ensure the batter stays light and crisp when frying?
Make sure your batter is cold and use a light hand when coating the blossoms to maintain their delicate texture during frying.
What if I can’t find zucchini blossoms at my local market?
Ask your market manager to order them for you, as they may be available seasonally from local producers.
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