DEEP-FRIED ZUCCHINI FLOWERS STUFFED WITH TALEGGIO AND BASIL

Deep-Fried Zucchini Flowers Stuffed with Taleggio and Basil image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 pints blackberries
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1/8 cup superfine sugar
8 1/2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
1 3/8 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2/3 cup ice water
6 1/2 ounces Taleggio cheese, cut evenly into 12 slices
12 fresh basil leaves
12 zucchini flowers
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Place a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and add blackberries, vinegar, and sugar. Cook for 15 minutes, and strain through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl; reserve juices and discard pulp.
Heat oil in a deep saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches 325 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer.
Meanwhile, place flour in a large mixing bowl and gradually pour in water, mixing constantly with your fingertips until combined; set batter aside.
Wrap each slice of cheese with a basil leaf. Place each wrapped piece of cheese into a zucchini flower and twist top to enclose. Lightly dust each zucchini flower with flour and dredge in batter until fully coated.
Working in batches, gently place zucchini flowers into heated oil and fry until lightly golden, 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately drizzled with the reserved blackberry and balsamic reduction.