Fried Zucchini Flowers with mozzarella and anchovy filling (Fiori di zucca fritti)

Did you know that Zucchini flowers can be eaten? In Rome it's a "must", every good Pizzeria will have "Fiori di zucca fritti" as starter in the menu. I love them! You can also eat  them on Pizza, they have a sweet unique taste.... The only problem is that Zucchini Flowers are difficult to find, specially outside Italy. I had the chance to hand-pick some from my friend's garden yesterday and today I want to share the recipie with you! Have fun cooking this little treasure from mother nature.

Serves 4

Ingredients:
8  Zucchini Flowers
1 Fresh medium Mozzarella cheese
4 anchovies
130 gr Flour
1/2 Cup of Water
1 egg (at room temperature)
a pinch of baking powder
Salt to taste
1/2 liter frying Oil

Carefully wash and dry the Zucchini flowers. Put aside.

Cut the mozzarella cheese in cubes, cut the anchovies in half.

 Fill each flower with a cube of mozzarella and half anchovy. Close the flower and keep aside.
Prepare the batter for deep frying the flowers:
Divide the yolk from the egg white. In a food processor mix the flour, the water, a pinch of baking powder, the yolk and a pinch of salt. In another bowl wip the egg white till is very thick (add a pinch of salt to help the process).

Add the wipped egg white to the flour Mix and stir very slowly till well mixed. You frying batter is ready.

Add the frying oil on a frying pan at medium-high heat.

One by one dip the flowers in the batter till they are well covered.



Start to deep fry the flowers only when the oil is the very hot. Lower a bit the heat and fry till they turn golden brown. Be careful, it will go very fast! Take out the fried flowers and let them dry on a paper.

Place on a serving plate. Serve very warm. Buon Appetito!