Stuffed Squash Blossoms

I love everything about summer, especially seeing what is growing my vegetable garden. My kale, basil, and tomatoes are explosive. We have had huge thundershowers, so I haven’t had to water much lately. My zucchini and squash blossoms are just coming out.

When my neighbor told me that he has lots of butternut squash blossoms and zucchini blossoms and would I like some, I couldn’t get my sandals on fast enough!

I decided to stuff them with Mozzarella, Parmesan Reggiano and Basil. You can actually stuff blossoms with any kind of cheese that you like, ricotta, goat, gruyere, or with meat or rice. I have had them many ways, all so delicious.

For 7 Blossoms, I grated about 1 cup of Mozzarella Cheese and added about a 1/4 cup of Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, I ripped up freshly picked basil leaves and stuffed the blossoms.

Twist the ends closed and try to pinch the blossoms closed so that the cheese doesn’t fall out. 

Dip stuffed blossoms in flour, then in egg, then again in flour

Fill skillet pan with about an inch of vegetable oil, carefully place stuffed blossoms in pan on medium high heat, saute until golden brown.

These are a delicious summer treat, a perfect appetizer with a cold glass of Chardonnay!

Stuffed Squash Blossoms

Ingredients:

• 12 squash blossoms, stamen removed
• 8 oz mozzarella, grated
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Reggiano, grated
• 3 large basil leaves
• 1 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• Vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoons sea salt plus more for garnishing
• 1/2 tablespoon pepper

Preparation:
Wash squash blossoms. Take the stamen out from inside the blossom.  Pat dry. In a small bowl, combine Mozzarella , Parmesan, and basil. Carefully fill the blossoms with the cheese mixture. Twist the top of the blossoms to close off, repeat with remaining blossoms.

Place the flour in a shallow bowl and add the pepper and salt, mix.  Beat the eggs in a bowl and place next to the flour. Cover the squash blossoms in flour mixture, then in the egg wash and back in the flour, until very well coated.  Repeat with remaining blossoms.

Pour oil into a  rimmed frying pan, filling about 2-3 inches.  Heat until hot but not smoking, about 350-380 degrees.  Carefully fry blossoms in batches, until a nice golden brown color.  Serve warm.

Recipe adapted from Epicurean Mom