Crispy Squash Blossoms Filled With Pulled Pork And Ricotta Food

CRISPY SQUASH BLOSSOMS WITH CRAB AND TARRAGON

Steps:

• For frying: Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven to 350 degrees F.
• For the filling: Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots, garlic and a large pinch of salt and sweat, stirring occasionally, until softened but not brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and set aside to cool.
• Mix together the ricotta, mascarpone, chives, tarragon and lemon zest in a large bowl. Stir in the garlic-shallot mixture and season with salt and pepper. Fold in the crabmeat. Chill in the fridge at least 15 minutes or up to 1 day before stuffing.
• Shape 15 heaping tablespoons of the filling into ovals the size of the squash blossoms. Carefully open each blossom and gently nestle the pre-shaped filling inside, pressing the petals around the filling to seal. Keep refrigerated while you make the batter, or up to 1 day in advance.
• Meanwhile, make the batter: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, rice flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in the soda water until it coats your fingers.
• Dip each blossom in the batter and allow excess to drain off slightly. Working in 2 batches, carefully place the blossoms in the Dutch oven and cook until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the blossoms to a paper towel-lined plate, sprinkle with salt immediately and repeat with the remaining blossoms.

SQUASH BLOSSOMS STUFFED WITH RICOTTA

Steps:

• Make tomato sauce:
• Cook garlic and red pepper flakes in oil in a 2-quarts heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring, until garlic is golden, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, water, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Prepare squash blossoms:
• Stir together ricotta, yolk, mint, 1/3 cup parmesan, and 1/8 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
• Carefully open each blossom and fill with about 2 rounded teaspoon ricotta filling, gently twisting end of blossom to enclose filling. (You may have filling left over.)
• Whisk together flour, remaining 1/3 cup parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and seltzer in a small bowl.
• Heat 1/2 inch oil to 375°F in a 10-inch heavy skillet. Meanwhile, dip half of blossoms in batter to thinly coat. Fry coated blossoms, turning once, until golden, 1 to 2 minutes total. Transfer with tongs to paper towels to drain. Coat and fry remaining blossoms. (Return oil to 375°F between batches.) Season with salt. Serve with tomato sauce.