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Published 20/04/2026
0:25
Serves 4
Medium

Deep-fried courgette flowers

A delicate and sophisticated seasonal treat that captures the essence of summer.

Courgette flowers are a delicacy often found in Mediterranean cooking. They are best picked fresh from the garden. You can also add an anchovy fillet inside with the cheese for an extra salty kick.

What you'll need...

Ingredients

  • 1 garlic clove
  • 4 good-sized anchovy fillets
  • 180g ricotta
  • Finely grated zest of 2 lemons
  • Few sprigs fresh oregano or marjoram, or thyme leaves, finely chopped
  • 6 courgette flowers, with little courgettes attached (from good greengrocers), cleaned, stamens removed
  • 2 litres light oil, for deep-frying (you will be able to re-use this afterwards)

For the batter

  • 1 free-range egg white
  • 2 tbsp plain flour
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Splash of sparkling water

Method

  1. Chop the garlic finely with the anchovies until they become a coarse paste, and combine with the ricotta, lemon zest and herbs in a large bowl. Season with a few good twists of black pepper and very little salt, then mix thoroughly.

  2. Gently open out each courgette flower and fill generously with the ricotta mixture, then wrap the petals around and secure with a twist at the top. The petals don’t need to envelop the filling completely, as the batter will make it hold.

  3. In a large, heavy-based pan, heat the oil over a medium heat until it is really hot (195°C) but not smoking.

  1. Meanwhile, make the batter by whisking the egg white in a large bowl until stiff, then sifting in the flour. Add the lemon juice and the water, whisking just to combine, using as few strokes as possible.

  2. To see if the oil is hot enough, drop in a small piece of bread. It should brown in 20 seconds. Dip each flower in the batter to coat, then fry in the oil, 2 or 3 at a time - don’t crowd the pan. Turn over after 40-60 seconds. When golden, remove with a slotted spoon, sprinkle with sea salt, drain briefly on kitchen paper and serve.

Shop the tools you will need

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