Sunday, July 5, 2009

Squash Blossom Quesadillas

Have you tried squash blossoms? If you're a backyard gardener or have access to a farmer's market, give these edible flowers a shot--they have a nice zucchini flavor without any of the associated wateriness. Squash blossoms are very perishable (which is why you don't see them in supermarkets), and this is a quick and easy way to use them, inspired by the squash blossoms quesadillas we used to love at the Hillcrest Farmer's Market when we lived in San Diego.

This recipe makes two quesadillas--scale up if you feel like sharing.

1 tablespoon canola oil
6 medium-sized squash blossoms
1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar
4 corn tortillas

Heat the canola oil in a small cast-iron skillet or frying pan. Briefly saute the squash blossoms, approximately two minutes, until they're wilted. Remove pan from heat.

Sprinkle cheese evenly over two tortillas and divide the sauteed squash blossoms between them. Top with another tortilla.

Reheat pan (you can add more oil if you need) over medium-high heat. Cook quesadillas one at a time, about two minutes per side.

5 comments:

h0n0r said...

Okay. So. You know how people go on and on about excess zucchini? There should be a bigger push for eating squash blossoms because then you'd have less zucchini to worry about come August! No more zucchini bread or cookies or pleading with neighbors to take it. Or, well, less of that anyway. The weather in Vermont is lovely and the tomatoes are ripening before our eyes! I should go look for some blossoms this afternoon . . .

I Heart Kale said...

Yes! Excellent strategy! Way better than leaving anonymous bags of zucchini on everyone's porches.

GF Gidget said...

Brilliant! That is the most creative use for squash blossoms I have ever seen!

I Heart Kale said...

Thanks Katrina! Basically, anything plus cheese is a good way to get air time in our house.

Jen @ MyKitchenAddiction.com said...

I think I have quite a few squash blossoms in my garden right now! I've only ever seen them deep fried... but this looks much more appealing to me!