Last Updated on May 10, 2022 by
It is easy to wonder what to do with squash blossoms, considering they are not popular side dishes, but there are a lot of things you can do with squash blossoms! Throughout this blog article, you will learn how to make your own and the benefits of eating these special squash dishes!
Making these delicious treats actually only takes about three steps! And, if you would like to make more or less, you can simply double of half the ingredients. Let’s learn what to do with squash blossoms down below!
Table of Contents
What Are Squash Blossoms?
The first step to cooking squash blossoms is learning what they are! These interested blossoms are a part of the Cucurbita pepo family. From what scientists understand, some squash and zucchini varieties grow these edible and flavorful flowers!
They are commonly grown in Mexico and parts of the southern U.S and have been found preserved and as old as 10,000 years old. The flavor of these flowers is mild and unlike roses or lavender blossoms does not have a ‘perfume’ like taste. Instead, they are close to the taste of the squash with a tinge of sweetness.
It is hard to miss squash blossoms as they are vibrant and gorgeous! Most of the time, they are a vibrant yellow and summery color. Is important to know that not all squash blossoms and flowers are edible or good for you. There are distinct benefits that these summer and winter squash blossoms bring.
The Benefits Of Cooking Squash Blossoms
Why should you cook squash blossoms? After wondering what to do with squash blossoms, lets ask ourselves why? There are tons of benefits that these little flowers bring! For instance, they are very easy to preserve and reuse. They also grow in abundance and we don’t have to worry about a shortage.
The health benefits are just as surprising and amazing. Eating one serving of cooked squash blossom contains low calories and high amounts of fiber. The fiber aids in the digestive system. Depending on how much you eat, it is also possible to get your daily amount of calcium and potassium from this beautiful flower.
How do you cook these squash blossoms? There are many ways you can incorporate these amazing healthy flowers, but the easiest way to do this is by frying and seasoning them. Listed below are three easy steps to follow on how to fry squash blossoms.
What You Will Need To Make This Squash Blossom Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 summer squash blossoms
- 8oz of cream cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese
- 2 tsp of lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of Queso fresco
- 1/2 cup of cilantro
- 2 tsp. of cumin powder
- 1 tsp. of red chili peppers
- 1 cup of white flour
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups of vegetable oil. Although I like to use vegetable oil for frying because it gives it a unique flavor and heats up well, you can use any substitute you would like! Keep in mind that some oils are hard to heat up and fry including coconut, avocado, and olive oil.
Equipment
- cutting board
- knife
- piping set
- large skillet
- paper towels
- measuring cups
- Large Plate
- 2 large bowls
- 1 spoon
Step By Step Instructions On What To Do With Squash Blossoms
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
The best way to start of what to do with squash blossoms is to start preparing the ingredients. This includes preparing the zucchini flowers. It is necessary to clean them with cold water and rinse off any dirt. Some people will also trim the stamen and stem of the flowers.
Step 2: Make the Filling and Batter
The second step of what to do with squash blossoms is to make both the filling and batter separately. In two bowls, start the process. Use the cheese, vegetables, and seasonings to create the filling. It should have a thick consistency, but not sticky enough to get stuck to the piping equipment.
Once the filling is done, add the filling with a spoon in the piping set. In the dried and cleaned flowers, stuff the filling inside with the piping set. Then, make the batter quickly.
The batter only needs three ingredients; salt, flour, and water. Mix these ingredients until the consistency is smooth without any blotchy or thick parts. Set aside.
Step 3: Deep Fry the Squash Blossoms
The third step in what to do with squash blossoms is to deep fry them in the oil. Heat skillet on low to medium heat and slowly add the squash blossoms after you cake them in the batter. They should start to sizzle and fry immediately.
Once each one is done, turn them over until they are a golden color on both sides. To get rid of excess oil, place them on a large plate underneath a paper towel.
Tips and Tricks
There are a few tips and tricks I want to share on what to do with squash blossoms. Although following this squash blossom recipe is easy, it is still important to know tips and tricks to make it even easier next take. For example, if you are wondering how to prepare squash blossoms, all you need to do is clean them.
While the stem of the squash blossom is edible, it does not contain as much flavor. Just snip the stems and discard them. One thing to understand about what to do with squash blossoms is that these delicate flowers have a short shelf life. It is not easy to preserve squash blossoms.
Servings and Preparation Time
|
Cook Time |
Preparation Time |
Serving Size |
|
5 minutes |
15 minutes |
8 people |
All in all, I hope you have a better understanding of what to do with squash blossoms. These squash flowers are a common food item in Mexico and southern parts of the U.S. They are full of health benefits and a light squash flavor!
It does take time to prepare squash blossoms for a squash blossom recipe though. Did you learn anything new about what to do with squash blossoms? If yes, let us know what it was in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family interested in edible Mexican flowers!
FAQs
How do you preserve squash blossoms?
It is not easy preserving squash blossoms. These fragile flowers have a short shelf life. Once you remove the flowers from the plant, they start to wilt. It is best to dry them properly and freeze them on baking sheets. This is hard though and can result in the flower petals sticking on to each other. Instead, I recommend eating the flowers and cooking them right away!
Squash Blossom Recipe
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Knife
- piping set
- Large skillet
- Paper towels
- Measuring Cups
- Large Plate
- 2 Large Bowls
- 1 spoon
Ingredients
- 16 summer squash blossoms
- 8 oz of cream cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese
- 2 tsp of lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of Queso fresco
- 1/2 cup of cilantro
- 2 tsp. of cumin powder
- 1 tsp. of red chili peppers
- 1 cup of white flour
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups of vegetable oil. Although I like to use vegetable oil for frying because it gives it a unique flavor and heats up well you can use any substitute you would like! Keep in mind that some oils are hard to heat up and fry including coconut, avocado, and olive oil.
Instructions
- The best way to start of what to do with squash blossoms is to start preparing the ingredients. This includes preparing the zucchini flowers. It is necessary to clean them with cold water and rinse off any dirt. Some people will also trim the stamen and stem of the flowers.
- The second step of what to do with squash blossoms is to make both the filling and batter separately. In two bowls, start the process. Use the cheese, vegetables, and seasonings to create the filling. It should have a thick consistency, but not sticky enough to get stuck to the piping equipment.
- Once the filling is done, add the filling with a spoon in the piping set. In the dried and cleaned flowers, stuff the filling inside with the piping set. Then, make the batter quickly.
- The batter only needs three ingredients; salt, flour, and water. Mix these ingredients until the consistency is smooth without any blotchy or thick parts. Set aside.
- The third step in what to do with squash blossoms is to deep fry them in the oil. Heat skillet on low to medium heat and slowly add the squash blossoms after you cake them in the batter. They should start to sizzle and fry immediately.
- Once each one is done, turn them over until they are a golden color on both sides. To get rid of excess oil, place them on a large plate underneath a paper towel.
Notes
- Although following this squash blossom recipe is easy, it is still important to know tips and tricks to make it even easier next take. For example, if you are wondering how to prepare squash blossoms, all you need to do is clean them.
- While the stem of the squash blossom is edible, it does not contain as much flavor. Just snip the stems and discard them. One thing to understand about what to do with squash blossoms is that these delicate flowers have a short shelf life. It is not easy to preserve squash blossoms.
Casia is a passionate home cook who loves to share her love of Mexican food with the world. She has been cooking since she was a child, helping her grandmother in the kitchen and learning the traditional techniques used to create delicious Mexican dishes. Casia loves to experiment with new ingredients and flavors, always looking for ways to make her dishes even more flavorful. She is also passionate about teaching others about Mexican cuisine and its rich history. When she is not in the kitchen, Casia enjoys exploring new cultures, traveling, and spending time with her family.