FRIED SQUASH BLOSSOMS

Fried Squash Blossoms image

Provided by Food Network

Time 25m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

16 zucchini flowers
1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 handful fresh parsley, finely chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
One 12-ounce bottle lager beer
Vegetable oil, for frying

Steps:

Use your fingers to carefully dig a hole on the side of the zucchini flower, opening it enough to dig out with you pointer the pollen stem that is inside. Gently rinse the flowers under a sprinkle of cold water, paying attention not to damage the thin petals, then lay on a rag and pat dry.
Fill a piping bag with the ricotta cheese and pipe 2 to 3 tablespoons of the ricotta into each flower. Twist the petals to close tightly so the cheese doesn't escape during frying.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, parsley, a couple of generous pinches of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Slowly start pouring the beer into the mix, using a whisk or a fork to make the batter; mix to eliminate any lumps.
Add the vegetable oil to the bottom of a heavy skillet until it comes up the sides 2 inches, making sure the oil is not more than halfway up the sides. Heat the vegetable oil until hot.
Dip the filled flowers through the batter then carefully add to the hot oil. Fry, flipping halfway through frying, until the blossoms are golden and crisp, 2 minutes.
Remove and place on a large dish lined with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt to taste while still hot.