Gourmet Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms with Herbed Tomato Vinaigrette
Indulge in the elegance of summer with these Gourmet Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms, filled with creamy herb cheese and accompanied by a fresh, vibrant tomato vinaigrette. This dish not only captures the essence of garden freshness but also showcases a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Perfect for impressing your guests or enjoying a lovely outdoor meal, these blossoms are visually stunning and surprisingly simple to prepare. Ideal for gatherings or as a standout appetizer, they offer a taste of summer that will leave everyone yearning for more. Explore various cheese and herb options to customize this dish to your liking. Whether you're using Boursin, goat cheese, or a different variety, these stuffed blossoms will surely elevate your dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini blossoms
any number (gently rinsed and trimmed)
Herb cheese spread
sufficient for the number of flowers (use Boursin, Rondele, or goat cheese (or your preferred cheese))
Tomatoes
1 cup (peeled, seeded, and chopped)
Herbs
to taste (can be dry or fresh)
Shallots or green onions
2 (chopped)
Oil
to taste (for brushing and vinaigrette)
Vinegar
to taste (for vinaigrette)
Sugar
to taste (for vinaigrette)
Salt
to taste (for vinaigrette)
Pepper
to taste (for vinaigrette)
Instructions
1
Gently rinse the zucchini blossoms under running water to remove any dirt or little critters. Trim the hard stems at the base of each flower.
2
Preheat your broiler and spray a broiler-safe plate with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
Carefully fill each blossom with your chosen herb cheese spread, taking care not to overfill. Gently close the blossom, shaping it back to its original form.
4
Arrange the stuffed blossoms on the prepared broiler-safe plate. Brush each one lightly with olive oil to enhance browning and flavor.
5
Broil the blossoms for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the petals are crispy and slightly golden.
6
While the blossoms are broiling, prepare the tomato vinaigrette by combining the peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes, chopped herbs, shallots or green onions, a drizzle of oil, a splash of vinegar, and a pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
7
Once the blossoms are ready, remove them from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve them warm, arranged around the vibrant tomato vinaigrette for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy this delectable and visually appealing dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gourmet Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms?
They are a sophisticated summer appetizer consisting of edible zucchini flowers filled with creamy herb cheese and served with a fresh tomato vinaigrette.
How do I clean zucchini blossoms before cooking?
Gently rinse the blossoms under cool running water to remove any dirt or insects, then trim the hard stems at the base.
What type of cheese is best for stuffing the blossoms?
Creamy herb cheeses like Boursin or Rondele are ideal, but goat cheese or any preferred herb cheese spread also works well.
How do I prepare the broiler plate?
Spray a broiler-safe plate with cooking spray to prevent the delicate blossoms from sticking during the cooking process.
How long should the blossoms be broiled?
Broil them for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the petals appear crispy and slightly golden.
What ingredients are in the herbed tomato vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette combines peeled and seeded tomatoes, chopped herbs, shallots or green onions, oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, the recipe allows for either fresh or dry herbs to be used in the vinaigrette based on your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is completely vegetarian-friendly.
Why should I brush the blossoms with olive oil?
Brushing the blossoms with olive oil before broiling helps them brown and enhances their flavor and crispness.
How do I prevent overfilling the blossoms?
Carefully fill each blossom with enough cheese to satisfy but leave enough room to gently close the petals back to their original form.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the blossoms warm, arranged beautifully around the fresh tomato vinaigrette for a gourmet presentation.
Should I peel the tomatoes for the vinaigrette?
Yes, the recipe recommends using peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes for the best vinaigrette texture.
Can I substitute green onions for shallots?
Yes, either shallots or green onions can be used in the tomato vinaigrette preparation.
Do I need to remove the stems from the flowers?
The hard stems at the base of each flower should be trimmed during the preparation phase.
What does the sugar do in the vinaigrette?
A pinch of sugar is used to balance the acidity of the vinegar and the freshness of the tomatoes.
Can I use goat cheese as a stuffing?
Absolutely, goat cheese is a suggested alternative that provides a tangy and creamy filling.
How do I handle the blossoms without tearing them?
Be very gentle when rinsing and filling, as the petals are extremely delicate and can tear easily.
What if I don't have a broiler?
While broiling is recommended for crispness, you could try a very hot oven, though the texture may differ slightly.
Can these be made in advance?
They are best served immediately after broiling to maintain the crispness of the petals and the warmth of the cheese.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It offers a delightful mix of creamy, savory herb cheese, crispy floral petals, and a bright, acidic tomato finish.
How many blossoms should I make per person?
As it is an appetizer, 2 to 3 blossoms per person is generally a standard serving size.
What kind of oil should I use for the vinaigrette?
A high-quality olive oil is usually best for both brushing the blossoms and creating the vinaigrette.
What kind of vinegar is best for this recipe?
A light vinegar like white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar works well to keep the vinaigrette vibrant.
Can I add other ingredients to the cheese filling?
Yes, you can customize the filling with additional herbs or even finely chopped nuts for extra texture.
How do I know when the blossoms are done?
They are finished when the cheese inside is melted and the tips of the petals have turned golden brown.
Are the petals themselves edible?
Yes, zucchini blossoms are entirely edible and are considered a gourmet delicacy.
Can I use regular zucchini if I can't find blossoms?
No, this specific recipe requires the actual flowers of the zucchini plant.
What makes this a 'summer' dish?
Zucchini blossoms are seasonal and typically only available during the peak of summer gardening.
Should the vinaigrette be cooked?
No, the vinaigrette is meant to be a fresh, raw mixture of ingredients to provide a bright contrast to the broiled flowers.
What is the texture of the finished blossoms?
They have a unique texture that is slightly crispy on the outside and rich and creamy on the inside.