On Food & Culture

June 20, 2012

Squash Blossoms filled with Panela cheese

Squash Blossoms filled with Panela cheese

Squash Blossoms abound here in Spring and Summer.  Not surprising since the squash is native to Mexico where the flower,Squash blossoms, Flor De Calabaza, are prepared by removing the bitter pistil. Flor de Calabaza,  has many delicious uses in tamales, quesadillas and soups. The Europeans fell in love with them and were delighted that this little squash travelled well.  It became “Zuchinni” in Italy and “Courgette” in France.

Here, in its native ground, we call it “Calabacita.” The scientific name of the squash is Curcubita pepo. This particular species, whose flower has a subtle flavor,  can be eaten both raw and cooked.  That pistil that you see inside the blossom should be removed after you gently wash the flower.  I use scissors to snip it.

Today I’m filling the blossoms with cheese and lightly sautéing them.   I serve them  with a Poblano salsa that ratches up the flavors of the filled blossom. Pop them up for parties or serve as a first course.

The Panela cheese does not melt and drip away but holds its structure.  You could also use Mozzarella or even Ricotta if you can’t find a Mexican cheese like Panela.  I add Texas Mexican Oregano for an aroma that’s great with the green onions.

Texas Mexican oregan is more subtle than European oregano. Grows lush in Texas gardens.I hate to be a stickler, but it’s worth the effort to search for the Texas Mexican oregano that is naturalized throughout Texas and Northern Mexico because it’s more subtle and goes well with the delicate blossom.  It’s easy to find online and easy to grow.  Here’s what it looks like.  Use just the leaves.

Squash Blossoms Stuffed with Panela Cheese Recipe  (serves 4 as a first course)

Recipe adapted from the book, “Truly Texas Mexican: A Native Culinary Heritage In Recipes” published by Texas Tech University Press.
Ingredients
12 Zuchinni Squash Blossoms
2 Poblano chiles
1 small garlic clove (about 1/2 tsp)
1/8 small  white onion, peeled (about 2 Tbsp)
3 cups water
2 tsp roasted pumpkin seeds
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp Mexican lime juice
For the Filling:
3/4 cup  grated Mexican Panela cheese
3 Tbsp green onion, finely minced
 1/4 tsp Mexican Oregano, finely minced
1 tsp extra virgin olive oilGrated panela cheese mixed with sautéed green onion and a light sprinkle of Texas Mexican oregano
Method
  For the Salsa de Chile Poblano:
1. Boil the Poblano chile, garlic and onion in the water until fully cooked, about 15 minutes.
2. Drain and place them in a blender along with the pumpkin seeds and salt.  Purée until completely smooth.
3. Add the lime juice, adjust the salt as needed and set aside.
  For the Blossoms:
1.In a skillet heat the olive oil and then add the onions and cook in medium heat until they are translucent, about 2 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2.  In a bowl combine well the onions, oregano and cheese.
3.  Fill each squash blossom with the cheese mixture.  Carefully close each and set aside.
4.  In the same skillet heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil
5.  In batches, add the squash blossoms and lightly sauté them on two sides, using a spatula.  Add the additional olive oil as needed.
6.  If serving as a first course, transfer them to four plates and spoon the Poblano salso alongside. Squash blossoms filled with panela cheese and lightly sautéedAy Dios mío, que maravilla!

 

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2 thoughts on “Squash Blossoms filled with Panela cheese”

  • In Houston I get them from most grocery stores, including HEB, Central Market, Fiesta. Let me know if you find them. Good luck

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