| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 237 | 12g | 6g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 1g | 7g | 0.39g |
Every culinary journey is filled with delicious detours. As a purveyor of all things seafood, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I fell in love with a simple yet flavorful vegetable-based dish — the Fried Calabaza Flowers. This treasure of a recipe, tucked away in my trove of beloved culinary secrets, has not only tantalized my taste buds, but also nurtured my body with its nutritional benefits.
Comparing to Familiars
If you’ve ever ventured into the realm of stuffed blossoms, like the classic Italian stuffed zucchini blossoms, then the indulgent, textural pleasure of Fried Calabaza Flowers will offer a similar, if not more enchanting, experience. These gently fried gems pair well with a wide variety of dishes. Their delicate, subtly sweet notes play nicely with the robust flavors of my signature New England clam chowder, or even a hearty lobster roll.
Health Benefits of Calabaza Flowers
While seafood has always been my area of expertise, I’ve ventured into the world of vegetable-focused dishes and been richly rewarded. These fried calabaza flowers provide a unique source of vitamins, such as vitamin C, and minerals like potassium, enhancing your health one bite at a time. Pumpkin flowers, from where calabaza flowers originate, are known for their low calorie content and high nutritional value.
Fried Calabaza Flowers are not only a testament to the culinary versatility of vegetables, but they are also a tribute to the often overlooked beauty that lies in simplicity. For me, recipes from my hometown of Portland, Maine, invoke fond memories of family, warmth, and comfort. Similarly, these Fried Calabaza Flowers, although a departure from my sea-sprayed culinary comfort zone, have carved a significant place in my heart — and my palate. Each bite is a tantalizing dance of flavor and texture that reminds me of the joyous journey that cooking truly is.
What You’ll Need
- 12 fresh calabaza flowers
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1 lemon (optional)
Method
Step One
Firstly, clean the calabaza flowers by removing the stems and any dirt. It is recommended to handle the flowers gently to prevent any damage. Set them aside for a while.
Step Two
In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Set aside. This will be the dry batter for your calabaza flowers.
Step Three
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until they become creamy. This will be the wet batter for your calabaza flowers.
Step Four
Now it’s time to dip the flowers. First, dip a flower into the egg and milk mixture, ensuring it gets fully coated. Then, dredge the flower in the flour mixture, again ensuring it gets a full, even coating. Once coated, set the flower aside on a clean plate.
Step Five
Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot enough (you can test this by dropping a small bit of the flour mixture into the oil–if it sizzles, it’s ready), add the coated flowers. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Step Six
Fry the flowers, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown on all sides. This should take about 3-5 minutes per side. Once done, remove the flowers from the pan and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step Seven
If you choose, you can serve the fried calabaza flowers with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Enjoy while hot for the best taste!. Your Fried Calabaza Flowers are now ready to be served.
