Description
These Healthy Pumpkin Blossoms are lightly battered with a flavorful chickpea flour mixture and pan-fried until golden and crispy. Perfect as a light appetizer or snack, they combine the delicate floral taste of fresh pumpkin blossoms with spices like garlic and chili flakes, served with a refreshing squeeze of lemon.
Ingredients
Scale
Pumpkin Blossoms
- 12 fresh pumpkin blossoms
Batter
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra spice)
For Cooking and Serving
- Olive oil spray or additional olive oil for cooking
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Clean the Blossoms: Gently wash the pumpkin blossoms in cold water and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Carefully remove any stamens or pistils from inside the blossoms to make space for the batter coating.
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, water, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Whisk thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Preheat Skillet: Place a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with olive oil spray or a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Coat Blossoms: Hold each pumpkin blossom by its stem and dip it into the chickpea batter, ensuring it is completely coated with the mixture.
- Cook Blossoms: Arrange the coated blossoms onto the preheated skillet. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy, flipping gently with a spatula to avoid tearing.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, remove the blossoms from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve Warm: Serve the pumpkin blossoms warm alongside lemon wedges to add a fresh, citrusy kick just before eating.
Notes
- Be gentle when handling pumpkin blossoms as they are delicate and can tear easily.
- Removing stamens or pistils helps to avoid any bitter taste and makes room for the crispy batter.
- Adjust chili flakes to taste or omit if you prefer a mild flavor.
- Use chickpea flour for a gluten-free and protein-rich batter alternative.
- Serving immediately after cooking ensures the blossoms retain their crispiness.
