Summer Bounty Stuffed Squash Blossoms |
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Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 15 Minutes Servings: 6 |
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Lots & lots of male squash blossoms, basil & sweet golden cayenne peppers coming in are the basis of this version of fried squash blossoms. Chilling the batter seems to help the final product (light crispy tempura like) so I mix it up first and then mix the stuffing and trim the blossoms. Be sure to get that oil up to 350 degrees - hot. Test fry a piece of bread - should brown up in 10 seconds or less. Be sure to use enough so that the blossoms float versus sit on the bottom - keeps them from getting greasy. I use peanut oil - has a high smoke temp (unlike olive or other vegie oils) & a neutral flavor (at least to us). This recipe doubles & triples well but remember - these have to be cooked & served immediately to fully enjoy them. I am going to experiment with stuffing & chilling the blossoms along with the batter - do some tableside frying to entertain friends. They really look gorgeous & taste even better. Ingredients:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour |
1/4 cup cornstarch |
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt |
2/3 cup cold water |
1/2 cup ricotta cheese |
1 garlic clove, pressed |
3 tablespoons sweet onions, minced |
3 bell peppers, minced (sweet cayennes or about 2 t of any sweet pepper) |
3 tablespoons fresh basil, julienned |
1/4 teaspoon salt |
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, fresh ground |
6 squash blossoms, stamen removed if male & pistil removed if female, ends trimmed but left as a handle |
1/2 quart peanut oil (or more) |
Directions:
1. Mix batter until just smooth & chill 30 minutes (up to 2 days if covered in the fridge).
2. Mix the stuffing lightly.
3. Trim the blossoms after rinsing under cold running water - dry upside down on a paper towel first.
4. Stuff blossoms with about 1/6 of the mix - try not to tear them when stuffing (be gentle!). It's OK if they tear though - just batter that area well after squeezing the torn edges together - will do fine.
5. Heat oil at least 3 inches deep - a 2 quart saucepan is nice if not using a deep fat fryer. Goal 350 - 375 degrees.
6. Dip the stuffed blossom in the chilled batter & put in oil blossom end down with the petals folded in over the filling. Fry 2 at a time if using the saucepan - otherwise what your fryer will hold without dropping temp (mine will do 2 or 3 at a time). fry until the petals turn a dark orange, slightly brown, at the tips - OK if they unfurl some - they are just crispier that way. About 3 - 5 minutes a potload.
7. Remove from oil, drain & serve immediately with minced sweet pepper & julienned basil as a garnish.
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