Zucchini Blossom with Ricotta, Walnut, and Golden Raisin, Walnut-Sage Pesto
These zucchini blossoms are stuffed with ricotta, golden raisin, walnut, shallot, and garlic. They are coated in a batter made with sparking water which contributes to a super crispy bite. The dipping sauce is a sage-walnut pesto.
Ingredients
- 12 fresh zucchini blossoms
For the filling:
- 12 oz full-fat ricotta (I used Bellwether Farms)
- 1 tbsp golden raisins
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp walnut (toasted and roughly chopped)
- olive oil
For the batter:
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- salt/pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup cold sparking water (more or less as needed)
- vegetable oil (for frying)
- freshly grated Parmesan (for serving)
For the Sage-Walnut Pesto
- 1/4 oz fresh sage leaves (about 3 full tablespoons)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 oz Parmesan
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- Salt/freshly cracked pepper (to taste)
Instructions
For the pesto
- Coarsely chop the fresh sage. Add the sage a few tablespoons of the olive oil to a small skillet or frying pan over low heat. Continue stiring for about 5-10 minutes until the sage is hot. Remove from heat source and set aside.
- In the bowl of a food processor, add the remaining olive oil, garlic, walnuts, and warm sage with oil. Process until smooth. Add Parmesan and puree for a few seconds. Taste- add salt/pepper as needed. Set aside until serving.
For the filling:
- Lightly toast walnuts in a skillet on the stovetop. Constantly stir them around to prevent burning. Remove when they are aromatic and golden. Allow to cool. Coursely chop and set aside until ready to use.
- Sauté the shallot and garlic in a bit of olive oil just until soft and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine ricotta, golden raisins, shallot/garlic mixture, and toasted walnuts in a medium bowl. Transfer filling to a piping bag, or Ziplock bag, if using. See notes.
To assemble:
- Gently open the petals of the squash blossoms to remove the stamens.
- Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill the blossoms with the ricotta mixture. About 2-3 tablespoons each, depending on the size of the flower. Gently twist the tops of the petals to seal.
Frying:
- Take a large pot or dutch oven and fill with at least 3 inches of vegetable oil. I like using a big pot will tall sides to help prevent hot oil splatter. The temperature needs to be 375 degrees F.
- While oil is heating, quickly make the batter. Combine all the dry ingredients and then add sparking water a little bit at a time. The batter will be runny (like very thin pancake batter).
- Dip the zucchini flowers in the batter, making sure to evenly coat. Allow access batter to drip off but do not hold zucchini flower upside down (risking the filling falling out!) Carefully lower into hot oil using tongs. Only fry 4-5 blossoms at a time (see notes). Fry until the batter is puffed and slightly golden (about 5-8 minutes).
- Carefully remove with tongs and set on a plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Serve immediately with the pesto. Enjoy!
Notes
- I cut the corner off a ziplock bag to make a make-shift piping bag. You can also use a proper piping bag; just make sure the tip is wide enough for the raisins to pass. You can also stuff the blossoms using a spoon (which would be a bit messier).
- If you fry too many blossoms at once, you will lower the oil temperature, increase the cooking time, and make the blossoms greasy.