Squash blossoms, or fiori di zucca, are one of the most beautiful summer ingredients, adding a gorgeous pop of color to any dish, yet vibrant enough to stand alone. Delicate in both flavor and structure, these flowers of the zucchini are only available during the first few weeks of summer, and are best consumed immediately upon harvesting. While stuffed, battered, and fried is still the most widely enjoyed traditional preparation, squash blossoms have recently become a much more versatile ingredient, gracing the tops of focaccia, baked into frittatas, and stuffed inside of ravioli.
Chef Dan Kluger embraces their summery spirit and seasonality at his upscale-casual American restaurant, Loring Place, where he serves a pizza starring squash blossoms, ricotta, and a honey chili drizzle. The balance of flavors is choreography for the taste buds, a perfect balance of brightness, heat, and sweetness. He has shared the recipe with us so that you can recreate this delicious pizza at home!
Squash Blossom Pizza by Chef Dan Kluger
For the Honey Chili Topping:
½ cup honey
2 tsp. red chili flakes
½ cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp. kosher salt
Combine the honey and chili flakes in a small pot over medium heat until warm. Turn off the heat and let stand for 30 minutes. Then stir in the vinegar and salt.
For the Pizza:
¼ cup mozzarella – cut into ½“ chunks
¼ cup parmesan
¼ cup ricotta
1 tsp. dried oregano
8-9 pcs. squash blossoms – cleaned*
1 tbsp. garlic oil**
½ tbsp. honey chili
¼ cup mixed basil and tarragon – roughly chopped (if you can find Hyssop, even better)
Stretch the dough into a 10” round and place on a lightly floured pizza peel. Spread all cheeses evenly then sprinkle on the dried oregano. Top with squash blossoms, making sure to go to the edge a completely cover the pie. Season with salt and garlic oil then bake. Once baked, finish with the honey- chili, and top with herbs.
*To clean a squash blossom, remove the stem and the green base carefully not damaging the flower. The stigma or pollen should come out as well leaving only the flower. Gently tear one side letting the flower open like a book. Sometime the flowers might have some dirt inside lightly brush them if needed. Do not run under water. You also might get lucky and find a bug inside. They are called cucumber beetles and are harmless.
** To make garlic oil microplane 1 clove of garlic into 1 cup of EVOO. Let sit so the flavors can marry if possible.