Stuffed Zucchini Flowers
To prepare a delicious and refined appetizer, we start with the preparation of the zucchini flowers. The first step is to wash them well under a stream of cold water, ensuring that no impurities remain. Then, with great care, we remove the green part and the pistil, to ensure that the flowers are clean and ready to be filled. It is important to place them carefully one inside the other, so they do not close until the filling preparation is completed.
For the filling, in a large bowl, we will mix ricotta, a fresh and creamy cheese, with diced cheese. This combination will provide a fine texture and a savory taste. To this, we add the crumb from two slices of older bread, which have been soaked in water. It is essential that the bread is older, as this will help bind the filling and add a subtle taste. We continue to add eggs, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing all the ingredients carefully until we obtain a homogeneous composition.
Once the filling is ready, we move on to filling the zucchini flowers. With the help of a spoon or our fingers, we take an appropriate amount of filling and carefully introduce it into each flower, being careful not to tear them. Once filled, we carefully close them to seal the filling inside and avoid leaks during frying.
In a deep pan, we heat enough oil to cover the flowers. When the oil is well heated, we carefully add the filled flowers, frying them until they become golden and crispy on the outside. The frying process takes a few minutes, so it is ideal to turn them carefully to ensure even browning. Once the flowers are ready, we remove them onto a plate lined with kitchen paper to absorb the excess oil. These fried zucchini flowers are perfect to be served warm as an appetizer, having an exceptional taste and an aroma that will delight all the senses. Ideally, they should be accompanied by a yogurt sauce or a fresh salad for a contrast of textures and flavors. Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 15 zucchini flowers, 250 g ricotta (cottage cheese), 100 g cheese (scamorza, provolone), 2 eggs, salt, pepper, oil, 2 slices of bread, oil.
