Grandma's secret to delightful summer snacks: Fried courgette flowers

Summer is when our gardens bloom, and amidst the flowers and greenery, delicious fruits appear and courgette flowers appear. Although many people regard 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, one of the most anticipated treats is courgette flowers. While most of us associate courgettes with their juicy fruits, the flowers are a true delicacy that can be utilised 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 colour. This snack is not only delicious but also incredibly impressive.

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

Ingredients:

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

pancake batter:

• 250 ml of sparkling water,
• 1 egg,
• 180 grams of all-purpose flour,
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Instructions:

1. Preparation of the flowers: Remove the stamens from the middle of the courgette 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 courgette 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 courgette flowers hot, preferably with garlic sauce, to enhance their flavour.

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

Courgette 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.

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

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