Stuffed Zucchini Flowers with Feta and Capers
This is another one of those delicious dishes that, once you’ve made it a few times, you will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
The delicacy of the zucchini flowers and the rich stuffing make them very appropriate for the most formal of occasions. Or leave them un-stuffed au naturel and serve their golden fried goodness with a simple squeeze of lemon for the most casual of occasions.
Note: You’ll need a deep fryer or a deep pot for this stuffed zucchini flowers recipe.
Stuffed Zucchini Flowers with Feta and Capers
Ingredients
- 10 zucchini flowers
- 3 ½ oz feta cheese (or Persian feta cheese)
- 1 ½ tbsp Spanish capers
- sea salt flakes
- freshly ground pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ cups plain flour
- 1-2 cups cold sparkling water
- cooking oil
Instructions
If you’re stuffing the flowers:
- Preheat the oil to 180° C (350° F).
- Combine the yolk, feta, capers, and a touch of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl and mix until it is slightly pasty.
- Depending on the length of the zucchini stem, you may need to cut some off but leave approx 4 cm (2 inches) attached to the flower.
- Gently open up the zucchini flowers and, using a teaspoon, gently spoon the cheese mixture into the flowers, filling to approx 2/3rds.
- Gently push the remaining air out of the flowers and squeeze the tips of the petals back together.
Batter:
- Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and make a well in the center.
- Slowly pour some of the soda water into the well and whisk as you add, slowly moving the whisk out from the well to incorporate more flour until the entire mixture is fluid and thick (it may not require all the soda water, so add it slowly).
- Whisk the egg white until frothy and fold into the batter mixture.
Cooking:
- Whether your flowers are stuffed or not, the process is the same.
- Holding on to the stem, drag the flowers through the batter until liberally covered (do not batter the stem). Hold the flower end and lower it into the deep fryer until the batter has sealed (a few seconds), and then drop the stem in as well. Cook until golden, they may require turning once.
- Remove, drain, season with some sea salt, and serve. Serve un-stuffed flowers with a wedge of lemon.
Notes
Related: Zucchini Soup with Lemon Thyme and Ginger
Related: Best 5 Zucchini Substitutes
Related: Warm Roast Veggie Salad with Cheese
Related: Best Feta Cheese Substitutes
Related: Deep Fried Zucchini with Greek Yogurt Sauce