Ingredients
For zucchini flowers
- 2 medium-sized zucchinis
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp corn starch
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
- salt, garlic powder, paprika powder, oregano, onion powder, and black pepper to taste
- additional grated Parmesan for serving
For zucchini sauce
- cores of the zucchini flowers cut out
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ lemon juice
- 2 tbsp natural yogurt
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp tahini or sesame paste
- salt, paprika powder, black pepper, and chili flakes to taste
Preparation
Prepare the zucchini flowers. Cut the zucchinis into fairly thick slices. Use a bottle cap or another small round shape to press out their cores to get rings. Do not throw away the cut-out zucchini cores – they will be needed for the sauce.
Coat in spices. Place the zucchini flowers in a large bowl. Pour in the olive oil, add the corn starch, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic and onion powders, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so that all the flowers are evenly coated.
Bake until crispy. Arrange the zucchini flowers in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in an oven preheated to 200 °C for about 20–25 minutes until nicely browned and crispy.
Sprinkle with Parmesan. Immediately sprinkle the hot zucchini flowers taken out of the oven with additional grated Parmesan.
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Prepare the sauce. Sauté the reserved zucchini cores in olive oil until softened. Put them into a blender or food processor, add yogurt, tahini, pour in lemon juice, add garlic, parsley, season with salt, paprika, black pepper, and chili flakes. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Serve. Serve the crispy zucchini flowers warm, with the prepared creamy zucchini sauce on the side.
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Tips
- It is best to choose firm, not overgrown zucchinis – they will bake crispier.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet. If the zucchini flowers touch each other, they may start to steam and remain soft.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan immediately after baking – it sticks better to hot flowers.
- If you want even more crispiness, replace regular breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs.
- Zucchini flowers are best served immediately while still crispy.
Enjoy your meal!
