FoodDiscover the charm of zucchini flowers

Discover the charm of zucchini flowers

Although we often reach for the zucchini fruit, its flowers also deserve our attention. This delicate delicacy has won over the hearts of Italians—it's time for it to also capture the hearts of Brits.

Courgette flowers - Delicacies
Courgette flowers - Delicacies
Images source: © Licensor

7 May 2024 16:49

Zucchini flowers are a true rarity in the kitchen. Although they are not as well known in Italy, it's worth reaching for them. The simplest and most certain way is to grow zucchini on your own on a balcony or in a garden. Zucchini is easy to grow and doesn't require special conditions. When the flowers appear, pick them and prepare a delicious casserole.

Zucchini flowers stuffed with spinach

Zucchini flowers taste best when stuffed. Plenty of ideas for the filling—some opt for ricotta, and others choose goat cheese. The flowers can also be fried in pancake batter or added to soup. They are delicate, so it's best to use them immediately after picking or purchasing them. Storing them longer might lead to wilting and loss of aroma.

Baked zucchini flowers - Delicacies
Baked zucchini flowers - Delicacies© Kingdom of Pots

Joanna, the author of the blog "Kingdom of Pots," suggests stuffing zucchini flowers with spinach and rice and baking them with parmesan and béchamel sauce. Such a casserole will impress your loved ones. It's beautiful and, above all, delicious.

Ingredients:

- 20 to 25 male zucchini flowers,
- 200g of rice,
- 1 onion,
Courgette flowers stuffed with spinach and rice - Delights
Courgette flowers stuffed with spinach and rice - Delights© Kingdom of Pots
- 2 cloves of garlic,
- 300g of spinach,
- 4 tablespoons of butter,
Béchamel
- 40g of butter,
- 40g of flour,
- 480ml of milk,
- salt,
- nutmeg,
- grated parmesan

How to prepare:

1. In a saucepan with a thick bottom, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add finely chopped onion.
2. Sprinkle it with sugar and salt and sauté for a while.
3. Add rice, pour in about 310ml of water and bring to a boil.
4. Cook for 15 minutes under a cover.
5. Rinse the spinach thoroughly.

6. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan. Add dried spinach and garlic pressed through a crusher. Add nutmeg and salt.

7. Sauté for 3 minutes.

8. Chop the cooked spinach and add it to the cooked rice. Season the filling to taste with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
9. Stuff the zucchini flowers with the filling and twist the ends. Arrange in a form greased with butter.

10. Prepare the béchamel. In a pan, melt butter, add flour, and sauté. Pour in milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Heat until the sauce thickens, and season to taste with salt and nutmeg.

11. Pour the béchamel over the flowers arranged in the dish and sprinkle the whole thing with grated parmesan.
12. Place in an oven preheated to 180°C for 25-30 minutes.
Serve the ready casserole in portions on plates. Enjoy your meal!
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