Recipes

Fried Anchovy-Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms

May 29, 2014

Light and airy, with a subtle squash flavor, zucchini blossoms are wonderful to cook; they make a flavorful, delicate appetizer when stuffed with salty anchovies and fried. Since the blossoms have a short shelf life, use them within a day of purchasing. Be sure to remove the stamens before working with them. This recipe first appeared in our June/July issue along with Sophie Brickman's story "Feast for Life".

Find this recipe in our cookbook, SAVEUR: Italian Comfort Food

Light and airy, with a subtle squash flavor, zucchini blossoms are wonderful to cook; they make a flavorful, delicate appetizer when stuffed with salty anchovies and fried.

Ingredients

Canola oil, for frying
24 canned anchovy fillets
24 zucchini blossoms, stamens discarded
1 cup flour
2 tbsp. baking powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 (12-oz.) bottle lager-style beer or seltzer, chilled

Instructions

Heat 2" oil in a 6-qt. saucepan until a deep-fry thermometer reads 375°. Place 1 anchovy fillet in each blossom and roll lengthwise to encase fillet. Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl; whisk in beer until batter forms. Working in batches and holding stems, dip blossoms in batter; fry until golden and crisp, 1–2 minutes. Drain on paper towels; season with salt.