Rice With Squash Blossoms Recipes

SQUASH BLOSSOM RISOTTO

Steps:

• Combine chicken stock and 2 1/2 cups water in a medium saucepan, place over medium-low heat, and bring to a simmer. Quarter each blossom lengthwise, and cut in half crosswise; set aside.
• Heat olive oil in another medium saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots, season with salt and pepper, and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add rice, and cook, stirring, until slightly opaque, about 2 minutes. Add wine, and cook, stirring constantly, until almost all the wine is absorbed, about 30 seconds.
• Add about 1/2 cup of the simmering stock to the rice, increase heat to medium high, and cook, stirring constantly, until nearly all the stock is absorbed. Continue adding stock, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and letting each addition be nearly absorbed before adding the next.
• After about 10 minutes, add sliced squash; continue cooking, adding stock until rice is creamy looking and each grain is tender but slightly firm in the center. This process will take 15 to 20 minutes.
• Stir in the blossoms, butter, and Parmesan, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from heat, stir in basil, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve immediately, garnished with basil sprigs.

STUFFED SQUASH BLOSSOMS

Steps:

• Prepare a grill for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the hot coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only to medium-high heat. Heat about 4 inches of oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over direct heat until it reaches 350 degrees F.
• Combine the ricotta, parsley and lemon zest in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Place a tablespoon of the filling into each zucchini blossom, sealing them by bringing the petals up around the filling and giving them a little twist.
• Season the flour with salt and pepper, then dredge the blossoms first in the flour, then in the eggs and then again in the flour, being sure to shake off any excess flour.
• Working in batches if needed, carefully drop the blossoms into the oil. (Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.) Cook until golden brown and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Remove the blossoms to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and season lightly with sea salt. Serve immediately.
• (Alternatively, you can fry the blossoms over medium-high heat on a stovetop.)

OVEN ROASTED STUFFED SQUASH BLOSSOMS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat; add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in chard and cook until soft, about 10 minutes. Add basil, salt, and pepper, and cook until basil is soft, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely, about 15 minutes. Place cooled chard mixture between 2 towels and press to remove excess moisture.
• Stir chevre and chard mixture together in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Fill zucchini blossoms about 3/4 full with the goat chevre mixture, and pinch the ends closed. Place filled blossoms in a roasting pan; drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Roast in the preheated oven until blossoms are hot, about 10 minutes.