Zucchini flowers are very delicate. I don’t make them often as they are tastier when fried and I try to avoid frying as much as possible, as most of us do these days. This a recipe that is mine, I have not seen it anywhere else as the flowers are usually stuffed with only cheese or some sort of a rice mixture. It came about on my recent trip to Greece as it was summer, and when zucchinis are in season, the flowers come with the zucchini. I looked at these wonderful flowers and wondered what I could do with them and naturally what I had in the fridge and the pantry. I always have walnuts in the fridge (keep them in the fridge as they don’t go rancid as walnuts are very delicate). I hope you enjoy the recipe and if you want to fry them, the frying method is included. Dora can be contacted at: dora@neoskosmos.com.au

STUFFED ZUCCHINI FLOWERS WITH FETA AND WALNUTS

INGREDIENTS

6 zucchini flowers

100 grams ricotta

20g feta

crumbled 100 grams of walnuts

coarsely crushed

half a bunch of chives

chopped 1 handful flat leaf parsley finely chopped

grating of nutmeg

METHOD

1. Combine cheese, herbs and a little nutmeg in a bowl.

2. Taste and check if it requires more salt.

3. Gently ply open the zucchini flowers petals to check for insects and remove stamen or pistil.

4. Cut the corner from a plastic freezer bag to make a piping bag.

5. Add the cheese mix to the bag and squeeze through the hole into the flowers.

6. Place on a slightly greased pan and bake for about 20 minutes.

You might prefer to fry them in a light batter. If so, mix 240 grams plain flour with 450 ml sparkling water to make a light batter, dip the stuffed zucchini in and deep fry in hot canola oil or another light oil.

Serve sprinkled with finely crushed walnuts and a little feta.