Baked zucchini flowers stuffed with rice. Delicious zucchini flowers filled with saffron rice and a core of melted cheese, perfect as an appetizer for a dinner with friends.
The delicacy of the zucchini flower made crispy by the coating with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated cheese, used as a case for tasty rice flavored with saffron and smoked provolone.
But actually, you can choose the seasoning for the rice…
Preparing the filling is very easy: we cook simple rice and drain it al dente, or, if we have it, we use leftover rice from the night before.
To make our rice a bit tastier, we add a spice that pairs perfectly with this grain to the cooking water: saffron.
To complete the filling, we prepare pieces of smoked provolone, which will give our baked zucchini flowers an even tastier flavor.
The secret to having super crispy baked stuffed zucchini flowers? Before cooking them, sprinkle them with a bit of mixed breadcrumbs and grated cheese and season with a drop of extra virgin olive oil.
We will manage to bring to the table a complete and truly scenic dish in no time.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 12 flowers
- Cooking methods: Electric Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer
- Energy 113.68 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 11.32 (g) of which sugars 0.07 (g)
- Proteins 4.30 (g)
- Fat 5.71 (g) of which saturated 1.19 (g)of which unsaturated 0.51 (g)
- Fibers 0.29 (g)
- Sodium 172.41 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 50 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Zucchini Flowers Stuffed with Rice
- 3/4 cup rice
- 4.4 oz smoked provolone
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 packet saffron
- salt
- pepper
- 12 zucchini flowers (flowers)
- as needed extra virgin olive oil
- as needed breadcrumbs (for sprinkling)
- grated Parmesan cheese (a sprinkle)
Tools
- Baking Tray
- Parchment Paper
- Pot
- Bowl
Steps for Zucchini Flowers Stuffed with Rice
To prepare the stuffed zucchini flowers, heat the water in a pot, then add salt and toss in the rice.
Add the saffron and let it cook for the time indicated on the rice package.
Drain the rice al dente and let it cool for a few minutes.
Mix the cold rice with smoked provolone cut into small pieces and grated cheese, add chopped parsley, salt, and a sprinkle of pepper.
Be generous with the grated cheese. (If desired, you can add diced cooked ham).
Mix well.
Clean the zucchini flowers by removing the central pistil and the green leaves at the base.
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and start filling the zucchini flowers: gently open the petals and place the rice filling.
Close the petals by gently pressing with your hands and arrange the zucchini flowers on the tray.
Add a generous sprinkle of mixed breadcrumbs and grated cheese, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and bake at 356°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Here are our incredibly tasty stuffed zucchini flowers ready!
Enjoy your meal!
Advice
Do we want a slightly more indulgent version? Stuff the zucchini flowers, but instead of baking them, dip them in batter and fry them. Trust me, they will be finger-licking good!
If you liked this recipe click on many stars, thank you very much.
I await you in my group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/488624465780860
or on my page : https://www.facebook.com/gustoamoreefantasie
or on my page : https://www.facebook.com/gustoamoreefantasie
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
What can I use instead of rice?
For the zucchini flower filling, if you want and like them, you can replace the rice with spelt or barley. In fact, both grains pair perfectly with the flavors of this recipe.
Can I replace provolone with mozzarella?
Yes, you can also use cheese like Galbanino, fontina, or Asiago.
Do I have to use saffron?
No, leave it plain, or if you like, use turmeric.
Can I use an air fryer?
Yes
