Fried Zucchini Flowers (Fiori di Zucca Fritti)

12-18 zucchini flowers

1 cup plain flour

2/3 cup whole milk

1 egg, lightly beaten

salt and pepper to taste

olive oil for frying

METHOD

Batter: Mix together flour, milk, egg and salt. The batter should be fairly runny, slightly thinner than a pancake batter. If not runny enough, add a little water, one tablespoon at a time.
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan to hot but not smoking. Pour in oil to cover the bottom, about 1/2 inch.

Gently dip the flowers in the batter, then fry them until golden. Do not overcrowd the pan and work in batches if necessary.

Drain flowers on paper towel and serve hot.