Fried Zucchini Blossoms with Prosciutto and Mozzarella

Name: Fried Zucchini Blossoms with Prosciutto and Mozzarella
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 8 large zucchini blossoms (about 2 ounces); 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 8 (2 1/2- x 1/2-inch) strips; 4 ounces prosciutto cotto or Parisian ham, cut into 8 (2 1/2- x 1/2-inch) strips; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided; Olive oil, for frying; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (about 2 1/8 ounces); 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup seltzer water

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Zucchini blossoms can be ordered online, and are seasonally available at farmer’s markets. Prosciutto cotto and Parisian ham should be available at a well-stocked grocery store with a cheese counter; substitute cooked ham, if needed.

By Food & Wine

Updated on April 1, 2019

Fried Zucchini Blossoms with Prosciutto and Mozzarella — Photo: Greg Dupree

Active Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

40 mins

Yield:

4

Ingredients

8 large zucchini blossoms (about 2 ounces)
4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 8 (2 1/2- x 1/2-inch) strips
4 ounces prosciutto cotto or Parisian ham, cut into 8 (2 1/2- x 1/2-inch) strips
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
Olive oil, for frying
1 large egg
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (about 2 1/8 ounces)
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup seltzer water

Directions

Using tweezers or a small, sharp knife, carefully remove and discard pistil from each zucchini blossom. Trim stems to about 1 1/2 inches. Place mozzarella and prosciutto strips on a paper towel–lined baking sheet. Sprinkle mozzarella with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Let stand 10 minutes.
Pat mozzarella and prosciutto strips with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Carefully stuff zucchini blossoms with 1 strip each of mozzarella and prosciutto. Lightly twist flower at the top to help close.
Pour olive oil to a depth of 1/4 inch in a large cast-iron skillet; heat over medium-high to 350°F. Whisk together egg and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Stir together flour and baking powder in a small bowl. Gradually whisk half of flour mixture into egg mixture. Add remaining flour mixture alternately with seltzer water, whisking until batter is smooth.
Dip 4 stuffed zucchini blossoms into batter, coating completely and allowing excess to drip off. Fry in hot oil, turning occasionally, until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel–lined baking sheet, and sprinkle with 1/8 teaspoon salt. Repeat with remaining zucchini blossoms, batter, and salt. Serve immediately.

Suggested Pairing

Sage-scented Fiano from Campania.