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How to make Pumpkin Blossom Fritters!

Pumpkin Blossom Fritters (Fritelle)

Did you know you can make a tasty treat from pumpkin (and other squash) flowers? Yep, pumpkin blossom fritters aare a real thing!

You use the male blossoms (long stem; the females already have pumpkins on them). Leave an inch of stem for a handle when crisp frying. I didn't need to wash mine - just wiped with paper towel when necessary.

Ingredients

4 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cubes (2/3 ounce) compressed yeast dissolved in 1/2 cup of warm water
6-8 cups squash blossoms (10 ounces)
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
For more flavor, you can add ricotta cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, mushrooms and/or basil

Directions

Step 1 - Pick the blossoms

This is pretty straightforward. Head out to your patch and pick. as many blossoms as you can, when they are just about to open. You don't want them wilted, nor do you want them green. Just about to open or having just opened is perfect. Morning is the best time to pick them.

Step 2 Make the batter

Of course, if you want to cheat, you can just use bisquick or pancake batter mix. Otherwise, pour the flour into a bowl and add a little salt. Stir in the yeast, dissolved in water, to the flour little by little. Add 2 1/2 - 3 cups more water until you have a thick batter. Let this rest for an hour, covered with a cloth.

For more flavor, you can add ricotta cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, mushrooms and/or basil

Step 3 - Prepare the squash blossoms.

Gently clean the blossoms first, then cut them into strips. Drain them well on paper towels.

Step 4 - Batter the blossoms

When the batter has rested, it will have risen just slightly while remaining fluid. Add the squash blossom to it. Add salt and pepper.

Step 5 - Fry the blossoms

Now heat an inch or two of olive oil in a pan. When it is very hot, slip the battered blossoms into the hot oil. Cook until golden on all sides, about three minutes total cooking time. The frittelle will puff up and become golden brown, delicious, and delicate.

I imagine you could use an air fryer, but I haven't tried yet.

Other similar blossom recipes

Pumpkin Blossoms Stuffed and Baked

Stuff with cheese mixtures, place on a buttered pan with sides, sprinkle with grated cheese and bake at 350 degrees about 20 minutes. (The blossoms release a lot of water.) This cream cheese and corn filling is quite good.

Pumpkin Blossom Omlets

Make an omelet. Just before it is done, cover with blossoms sauteed briefly in butter, sprinkle with grated cheese, and brown lightly under the broiler. See Squash Blossom Frittata with Asiago Cheese and here's a different Zucchini Blossom Frittata recipe.