Recipes, Guides, Lifestyles by GRATSI

Fiori di Zucca Fritti
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GIOVANNI'S KITCHEN

Fiori di Zucca Fritti

Light, crispy, and so full of flavor they’ll transport you straight to Italy with just one bite!

By Giovanni Siracusa

 |  

July 03, 2025

Fiori di Zucca Fritti

By Giovanni Siracusa

Ingredients

  • 12

     fresh zucchini flowers

  • 8

    oz mozzarella (or another mild, melty cheese), chopped

  • 1

    cup 00 flour

  • 1

    tsp sugar

  • 1

    cup cold sparkling water (add more as needed for consistency)

  • 6

    anchovy fillets in oil, halved (optional)

  • Pinch of fine sea salt

  • Peanut oil, for frying

TOTAL TIME

30 minutes

12 servings

Crisp on the outside and gooey in the center. This is Italian summer snacking done right!

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STEP 1

Gently clean each zucchini flower by removing the inner pistil and trimming the stem. Be careful not to tear the petals.

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STEP 2

Stuff each flower with a small piece of mozzarella and half an anchovy fillet (if using). Lightly twist the petals to close.

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STEP 3

In a bowl, whisk the flour, sugar and a pinch of salt. Slowly add the sparkling water while whisking until you get a smooth, fluid batter. It should be thicker than water, but still light.

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STEP 4

Heat up your frying oil. Dip each stuffed flower into the batter, twisting as you pull up letting the excess drip off.

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STEP 5

Fry the flowers in batches, without crowding the pan. Cook until they’re puffed and golden, about 2-3 minutes per side.

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STEP 6

Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with a touch of salt while still hot.

Serve immediately with a chilled glass of Gratsi White! These are the kind of fritti that make you stop and close your eyes on the first bite. Buon Appetito!

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