Crispy Squash Blossoms Filled with Pulled Pork and Ricotta (Bobby Flay) Recipe

Directions:

1. Place the ricotta in a strainer lined with cheesecloth over a bowl and let drain in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Discard liquid.
2. Combine the strained ricotta and shredded pork in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
3. Fill each squash blossom with the pork-cheese mixture and twist the top of the blossom to secure the filling while frying.
4. Fill a large, heavy saucepan halfway with oil and heat on the stove until the temperature reaches 360 degrees F.
5. Dredge each filled squash blossom in the rice batter to coat completely. Fry the squash blossoms in batches until lightly golden brown, turning once. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
6. Drizzle some of the black pepper vinaigrette in the center of a serving plate and place 2 squash blossoms on top for each serving. Serve hot.
7. Braised Pork:
8. 1 (2-pound) pork butt, cut into 2-inch cubes
9. 2 cups your favorite BBQ sauce
10. 2 cups rice vinegar
11. 1 large red onion, coarsely chopped
12. Salt and freshly ground pepper
13. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Place pork cubes in a medium roasting pan. Stir together the BBQ sauce, vinegar, and onion and then pour mixture over the pork and season with salt and pepper. Cover the pan with foil and cook in the oven for 3 1/2 to 4 hours or until the meat is fork tender. Let cool in the braising liquid, then drain the liquid from the meat and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
14. Rice Batter:
15. 2 cups cold water
16. 2 cups rice flour
17. Salt
18. Whisk together water and flour until smooth and season with salt. Let sit 10 minutes before using.
19. Black Pepper Vinaigrette:
20. 1/2 cup rice vinegar
21. 1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard
22. 1/4 teaspoon salt
23. 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
24. 2 teaspoons honey
25. 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
26. Combine vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and honey in a blender. With the machine running, slowly add the oil until emulsified.