These delicate zucchini blossoms are filled with a silky herbed ricotta and served atop a vibrant tomato confit for an elegant summer appetizer or light vegetarian main.
The slow-roasted tomato confit develops a deep sweet-tart flavor with garlic and thyme, while the ricotta filling brightens with lemon zest and fresh basil, parsley, and chives.
With just a handful of ingredients and simple techniques—gently stuffing blossoms and roasting tomatoes low and slow—you’ll have a stunning dish ready to impress.
Ingredients
FOR THE TOMATO CONFIT
- 1 lb cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
FOR THE STUFFED BLOSSOMS
- 12 large zucchini blossoms, stems trimmed
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh basil
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss halved tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper together on the prepared sheet.
- Roast tomatoes for 60 minutes, until they collapse and develop a jammy consistency. Remove garlic cloves if desired.
- Meanwhile, combine ricotta, basil, parsley, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
- Carefully open each zucchini blossom and spoon about 1 teaspoon of the ricotta mixture inside. Twist the petals gently to seal.
- Arrange filled blossoms on a second parchment-lined sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- To serve, spread the tomato confit in the center of a platter or individual plates and place the warm blossoms on top.
- Garnish with extra fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
- Enjoy immediately to preserve the delicate texture of the blossoms.
Notes
Tip: Leftover tomato confit keeps up to a week; stir into pasta or spread on crostini for another delicious use.
Tips & Variations
- Choose fresh blossoms that are firm and unblemished. Gently shake out any moisture before filling.
- Avoid overfilling: use a teaspoon of ricotta and twist the tip of the blossom to seal.
- Substitute goat cheese or mascarpone for a tangier or richer filling.
- Store leftover tomato confit in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week; it’s perfect on crostini or stirred into pasta.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat or finish with a drizzle of balsamic reduction for added sweetness.