Fried zucchini flowers are a delicacy that can elevate any meal. These delicate blossoms are lightly battered and fried to crispy perfection, creating a delicious appetizer or side dish. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy the taste of fresh zucchini, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients for Fried Zucchini Flowers:
- 12 zucchini flowers
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cold sparkling water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Fried Zucchini Flowers:
- Prepare the Flowers: Gently rinse the zucchini flowers and remove the stamens from inside the flowers. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the cold sparkling water until the batter is smooth.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C).
- Coat the Flowers: Dip each zucchini flower into the batter, making sure to coat it completely.
- Fry the Flowers: Carefully place the battered zucchini flowers into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve the fried zucchini flowers immediately, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Zucchini Flowers: These delicate blossoms are the edible flowers of the zucchini plant. They have a subtle zucchini flavor and a tender texture when cooked.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is used to create a light and crispy batter for the zucchini flowers.
- Sparkling Water: The carbonation in sparkling water helps to create a light and airy batter that coats the zucchini flowers evenly.
- Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is used for frying the zucchini flowers, giving them a crispy exterior.
Fried zucchini flowers are a delicious and impressive dish that is surprisingly easy to make. Enjoy them as a tasty appetizer or side dish!
