Fiori Di Zucca Ripieni!!!

That’s what they are called in Italy.

Stuffed Zucchini Flowers (or blossoms) is what they are known as here in the America.

Never have I ever had a more delicate thing to eat. Something about them just feels unique and special.

Maybe it’s because they are only available for a short time during the summer when the zucchini plants are growing.

Or maybe it’s because it’s a way to love your zucchini plants even when you are sick of zucchini bread, zucchini cake, zucchini boats, zucchini pasta, etc.

Or perhaps it’s because there’s something magical about creating something both beautiful and delicious from a delicate little flower….

Ok, let’s get cooking! The ingredients are pretty basic and things we usually have on hand but here a few tips to make your stuffed zucchini flowers the best you’ve ever tasted!

First, your ingredients matter. There are only a few so make them count!

• Get a quality mozzarella (not the kind that comes in a block…)
• Use FRESH garlic and chop it yourself.
• Only use fresh basil never dried.
• Parmigiano Reggiano is not the same as Parmesan. It tastes different, it is stronger and really it is better. If you can, we HIGHLY recommend using Parmigiano Reggiano.
• Make your own ricotta. I know it seems like extra work (and it is) and maybe it sounds intimidating but I promise it is 100% worth it! Homemade Ricotta can be made days ahead of time and any extra can be used in so many different ways. Lasagna, Ricotta Toast, Ricotta Cookies….and so many more!

Second, know how to pick your blossoms.

• We prefer to use the male blossoms. This allows the females to continue to produce zucchini. The male blossoms have more space in them for stuffing. And the stem helps to hold things together when stuffing and frying. The female is edible and can be used…it’s just trickier.
• So how do you tell them apart? The female will have a fruit attached to it. It can usually be spotted pretty early on. The male has a long stem and a long stamen in the center. Here is an example of the difference. Male is on the left, female on the right.

• Pick the blossoms in the morning when they are open and happy! As the day goes on they close and it makes it harder to stuff them.

Third, be gentle with the flowers.

• Place the stems in water after picking until you are ready to use them.
• Do not wash the flowers! If there is dirt on the petals gently brush them clean with a damp paper towel or cloth.

Lastly, it is VERY important that you eat these IMMEDIATELY!!! Why? Well because they are soooo much better fresh and warm and crispy. Simply top them with some extra Parmigiano and maybe basil and MANGIA!!