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Fried Zucchini Flowers

A delicate appetizer featuring tender squash blossoms filled with herb ricotta and fried until crispy.

30 minMediumServes 4240 cal/serving

Italian-AmericanAppetizerStovetopVegetarianLow CarbNut-FreeSoy-FreeAlcohol-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp lemon zest, grated
  • 12 zucchini blossoms, trimmed
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup chilled club soda
  • 2 cups vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix 1/2 cup drained whole milk ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tsp grated lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth.

  2. 2

    Gently open each of the 12 trimmed zucchini blossoms and stuff with the cheese mixture, then twist the petals to seal.

  3. 3

    Whisk 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 cup chilled club soda together in a shallow dish until a thin batter forms.

  4. 4

    Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  5. 5

    Dip stuffed 12 trimmed zucchini blossoms into the batter and fry for two minutes per side until golden brown.

  6. 6

    Drain on paper towels before serving.

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Questions

How do I know when Fried Zucchini Flowers is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 5: cook until golden brown.

What can I use instead of ricotta in Fried Zucchini Flowers?

The entry for Fried Zucchini Flowers calls for 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, drained. In its place: Small-curd cottage cheese, drained and blended briefly, works in baked dishes. For dairy-free, blend firm tofu with lemon juice and salt.

Can I make Fried Zucchini Flowers dairy-free?

Not cleanly. Here the dairy (1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, drained, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated) is the backbone of the dish, and plant-based substitutes change both its texture and its flavor. If you need strictly dairy-free, start from the dairy-free appetizer collection instead.

Is Fried Zucchini Flowers vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, drained and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan appetizer collection.

How many calories are in Fried Zucchini Flowers?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 240 calories, with 6 g protein, 14 g carbohydrate and 18 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 260 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Serve it with

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