Description
This Healthy Pumpkin Blossoms recipe features fresh pumpkin flowers dipped in a flavorful chickpea flour batter and pan-fried to a crispy golden perfection. Lightly seasoned with garlic, onion, and optional chili flakes, these blossoms make a delightful, nutritious appetizer or snack served with a refreshing squeeze of lemon.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 fresh pumpkin blossoms
- 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)
- Olive oil spray or additional olive oil for cooking
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Blossoms: Gently wash the pumpkin blossoms in cold water and pat them dry carefully with a kitchen towel. Remove any stamens or pistils from inside the blossoms to make space for the batter coating.
- Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, water, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes until a smooth, lump-free batter forms.
- Heat the Skillet: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with olive oil spray or a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Coat the Blossoms: Holding each pumpkin blossom by the stem, dip it into the chickpea batter ensuring it is fully coated for even cooking and crispiness.
- Cook the Blossoms: Place the coated blossoms onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, flipping gently with a spatula, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked blossoms from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the warm pumpkin blossoms with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finishing touch just before eating.
Notes
- Ensure the pumpkin blossoms are fresh and free from dirt or bugs before cooking.
- Removing the stamens is important to avoid bitterness and make space for the batter coating.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your spice preference or omit for a mild flavor.
- Use olive oil spray or just a small amount of oil to keep this recipe light and healthy.
- Serve immediately for best texture, as the blossoms are crispest when freshly cooked.
