-
1
Sift together all of the dry ingredients.
-
2
Whisk in the soda water, a little at a time, until the right consistency is achieved.
-
3
The batter should coat the back of a spoon, but some excess batter should run off the spoon.
-
4
Allow to rest in the refrigerator at least 1 hour before use.
-
5
Goat Cheese Filling:
-
6
Combine all of the ingredients and mix well.
-
7
Shape the mixture into 1 tablespoon balls.
-
8
Make sure the squash blossoms are well cleaned.
-
9
Open the flowers and insert 1 goat cheese ball in each flower.
-
10
Gently press the filling into the base of the flower.
-
11
Cover with the petals and pinch the top to seal.
-
12
Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
-
13
Preheat a fryer or a deep pot halfway filled with peanut oil to 375 degrees F.
-
14
Hold the squash blossoms by the stem.
-
15
Dip each into the tempura batter, making sure to coat completely.
-
16
Let any excess batter drip off.
-
17
Place the blossom in the oil and fry until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes, turning often to brown evenly.
-
18
Remove to a paper towel lined plate.
-
19
Place some of the Tomato Sauce on the bottom of a plate.
-
20
Top with 2 squash blossoms and garnish with Fried Basil leaves.
-
21
Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat.
-
22
When the pan is hot, add 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and heat.
-
23
Add the onion, garlic, and chili flakes and cook for 1 minute.
-
24
Add the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
-
25
Add the sugar and stir to combine.
-
26
Lower the heat and cook until the tomatoes start to disintegrate and mixture is of sauce consistency, about 15 minutes.
-
27
Add the thyme, basil, and remaining olive oil and mix well.
-
28
Heat about 1/2-inch of the oil in a steep-sided saute pan to 350 degrees F. Or heat a deep fryer to 350 degrees F.
-
29
Pat the basil leaves dry to remove any surface water.
-
30
Carefully drop the basil leaves in the hot oil.
-
31
The oil will spit and splatter as the moisture in the leaves fries.
-
32
Fry for 10 seconds or just until the leaves start to become translucent.
-
33
Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate.
