Sponsored By

Ricotta Stuffed Squash Blossoms

Chef Mitchell Steller of Downtown Wine Merchants in Oakland, Calif. stuffs the zucchini blossoms with an herbed ricotta mixture and serves them over a spring green fava bean puree.

Ricotta Stuffed Squash Blossoms
Photo courtesy of California Milk Advisory Board
Servings
4
Menu Part
  • Appetizer
Main Ingredient
  • Cheese

Chef Mitchell Steller

Downtown Wine Merchants

Oakland, Calif.

Squash blossoms appear just as the zucchini and summer squash pops up on the vine. Chef Mitchell Steller of Downtown Wine Merchants in Oakland, Calif. stuffs the yellow blossoms with an herbed ricotta mixture and serves them over a spring green fava bean puree. A plant-forward dish to elevate and brighten the summer menu.

Ingredients

Fava puree

2 lb. fava beans

Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

¼ cup hard aged cheese

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Squash blossoms

1 cup ricotta cheese

¼ cup roasted pistachio nuts, crushed

1 tbsp. chopped parsley

1 tbsp. chopped tarragon

1 tbsp. chopped chives

Salt and pepper, to taste

12 squash blossoms

1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Arugula and espelette oil, for garnish

Steps

1. For fava puree, bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Shell fava beans; blanch in boiling water for approximately 30 seconds. Remove from water and submerge in ice bath for 2 minutes. Strain, then peel the outer casing of beans.

2. In food processor, combine peeled beans, lemon zest and juice and Parmesan cheese. Pulse, adding olive oil slowly until smooth yet grainy texture is achieved. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.

3. For squash blossoms, in large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, pistachios, parsley, tarragon and chives. Season with salt and pepper. Place mixture in refrigerator to chill and firm.

4. Once cold, roll cheese into 12 quenelles. Slide quenelles deep inside squash blossoms.

5. To serve, prepare plates with fava puree and sprinkle with arugula leaves. Heat oil in large saute pan; flash fry blossoms for 20 seconds on each side.  Plate 3 blossoms on each plate and drizzle with espelette or extra virgin olive oil. 

Photo courtesy of California Milk Advisory Board

Read more about:

Recipes
Subscribe to FoodService Director Newsletters
Get the foodservice industry news and insights you need for success, right in your inbox.

You May Also Like