Stuffed Zucchini Flowers with Meat (Fiori di Zucca Ripieni di Carne)
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 20 pieces
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Zucchini flowers | 200g |
Veal (ground) | 250g |
Smoked Scamorza cheese | 100g |
Marjoram | To taste |
Fine salt | To taste |
Black pepper | To taste |
All-purpose flour (00) | 160g |
Sparkling water | 220g |
Egg yolks | 15g |
Vegetable oil (for frying) | To taste |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Filling: Start by grating the smoked Scamorza cheese. In a bowl, combine the grated cheese with ground veal and marjoram leaves. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then mix everything together using your hands until well incorporated.
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Prepare the Zucchini Flowers: Carefully remove the stems and outer pistils from the zucchini flowers. Gently detach the inner buds, and twist the tips of the flowers to seal them tightly. Set them aside.
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Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and sparkling water until smooth. Gradually add the egg yolks to the mixture and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Stuff the Zucchini Flowers: Carefully stuff each zucchini flower with the prepared veal and cheese filling. Be sure to stuff them generously but avoid overfilling. Twist the tips of the flowers again to seal them tightly.
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Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should reach approximately 170°C (340°F) for frying. You can test the temperature by dropping a small bit of batter into the oil – if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
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Dip and Fry: Dip each stuffed zucchini flower into the batter, allowing the excess to drip off. Carefully drop them into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Make sure to fry the flowers in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
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Drain and Serve: Once the zucchini flowers are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Continue frying the remaining stuffed flowers.
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Serve: Serve the stuffed zucchini flowers warm, and enjoy them fresh and crispy as a delightful appetizer.
These delicious stuffed zucchini flowers are perfect for sharing with friends and family, offering a savory combination of creamy cheese and tender veal, all encased in a light, crispy batter.