Fried Zucchini Flowers

Name: Fried Zucchini Flowers
Ingredients: 30 tightly closed zucchini flowers; 185 ml (3/4 cup) fresh bread crumbs; 4 anchovy fillets, chopped; 30 ml (2 tablespoon) finely chopped fresh parsley; 15 ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil; batter:; 250 ml (1 cup) cake flour; 15 ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil; 1,25 ml (1/4 teaspoon) salt; oil to deep fry

I first experienced the pleasure of this Italian dish in Tuscany and knew that if I wanted to enjoy this treat on home turf, I would have to grow my own. That is what we’ve done and it is with great joy that I prepare this delicacy for my family.

Published 14 December 2025

Method

Cut the pistils off the zucchini flowers. Mix the bread crumbs, mashed anchovies and parsley with the tablespoon of olive oil. Stuff the flowers with this mixture, pressing the flowers closed around the filling.
Make the batter. Blend the flour, olive oil and salt with enough water to make a smooth batter that is not to liquid.
Heat oil in a saucepan till just before smoking. Dip the zucchini in the batter and fry until golden. Drain on kitchen paper and season with salt and ground black pepper. Serve at once.