FIORI DI ZUCCHINI RIPIENI AL FORNO | BAKED STUFFED SQUASH BLOSSOMS
During the height of the growing season, there is nothing quite like a meal highlighting ingredients from your own garden, local farmers market, or favorite farm stand.
In the summer of 2023, we compiled four of our favorite simple summer dishes so you can enjoy them at your own table, either individually—offered as antipasti/primi (appetizers/first courses) or contorti (sides) to accompany the rest of your own menu—or serve all four together and you've got an entire beautiful summer harvest meal planned out for you.
These dishes can be prepared ahead and served at room temperature, which makes them especially enticing for summer picnics, pot lucks, and heat waves! Buon appetito!
Ingredients:
Serves 6
12 zucchini flowers
1 large mozzarella ball, chopped or torn
1 or 2 anchovies
4 tablespoons freshly-grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 egg, beaten
3 cups breadcrumbs
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Remove the very inner part of the zucchini flower (the pistil) and the tiny pointed green parts on the outside, leaving the outer yellow-orange flower, including the green bottom, as intact as possible. Look carefully inside and out for any small bugs or debris and clean gently if needed.
Prepare the filling: Combine the mozzarella, anchovies, and parmesan in a food processor and blend until smooth. Transfer the filling to a small bowl. Carefully open the flowers and stuff each one with 1-2 tablespoons of the filling until full. Pinch each flower closed at the top and set aside.
Pour the beaten egg into a bowl and add the breadcrumbs to a separate bowl. Dip each flower first in the egg, letting any excess drip off, and then dip in the breadcrumbs, turning to coat the flower completely.
Arrange the zucchini flowers on the baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the flowers are golden-brown and crispy on the outside. Serve immediately.