Grandma's secret: Frying zucchini flowers for summer snacks

Summer is when our gardens bloom, and among the flowers and greenery appear delicious fruits and zucchini flowers. Although many people treat them as mere decorations, Grandma knows the secret of how to transform them into a unique snack that the whole family eagerly awaits.

In the summer, when gardens and farmers' markets abound with fresh vegetables, zucchini flowers are one of the most anticipated delicacies. While most of us associate zucchini with its juicy fruits, its flowers are a real delicacy that can be used in the kitchen in many ways. Grandma has a tried-and-true recipe—she dips them in pancake batter and fries them to a golden color. This snack is not only delicious but also incredibly impressive.

Grandma Basia loves to fry zucchini flowers in tempura. It's a simple recipe that brings out the delicate taste and aroma of the flowers.

Ingredients:

      
• approximately 10-12 zucchini flowers,
• oil for frying.

Pancake batter:

              
• 1 cup of sparkling water,
• 1 egg,
• 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour,
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Instructions:

1. Preparation of the flowers: Remove the stamens from the middle of the zucchini flowers and trim the stems. Rinse the flowers gently under running water to remove dirt and pollen. Dry them on a paper towel.
2. Preparation of the batter: In a bowl, mix sparkling water with the egg, flour, and salt, preferably using a mixer to obtain a smooth batter.
3. Frying: Dip the zucchini flowers in the prepared batter and place them in heated oil in a skillet. Fry over medium heat until the flowers turn golden on both sides.
4. Serving: Serve the fried zucchini flowers hot, preferably with garlic sauce, to enhance their flavor.

Zucchini flowers are not only a base for tempura. They can be stuffed with ricotta cheese, mozzarella, or cream cheese, added to tarts, pizza, salads, omelets, or risotto. Grilled zucchini flowers drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt surprise with a sweet, honey-like taste.

Zucchini flowers are delicious and a healthy addition to summer dishes. It's worth including them in your diet and discovering their unique taste and aroma.

In season, zucchini flowers can be found at local farmers' markets, bazaars, and health food stores. They are also available for purchase online. Zucchini flowers are best consumed within a few days of being picked. They can also be frozen or preserved in jars to enjoy their flavor year-round.

Zucchini flowers are a real delicacy of the summer kitchen. Use them in your kitchen and surprise your loved ones with delicious and healthy dishes!