Baked Squash Blossoms over Grass-Fed Beef Sofrito

Part 1—The Sofrito

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 2 TBSP olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 TBSP fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 TBSP fresh rosemary or savory, chopped
• 2 TBSP fresh parsley, chopped
• 8 oz chopped tomatoes or can of diced tomatoes
• 1 TBSP tomato paste
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1/2 tsp salt

To prepare the sofrito:

1. Saute garlic in olive oil until browned. Add ground beef, salt and pepper and cook until no longer raw. Set aside.
2. In a pot, salute onion in olive oil until translucent. Add herbs, tomatoes, tomato paste and heat until a near boil.
3. Turn down hit to low, add red wine and let simmer while you prepare the squash.

Part 2—The Squash Blossoms

• 12 fresh zucchini blossoms (keep the baby squash on there if there is one!)
• 1 cup fresh ricotta
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
• Flour (for dusting)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• ¾ c breadcrumbs

To prepare the squash blossoms:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a baking tray with foil or parchment and lightly coat with oil or use oil spray.
2. Mix ricotta and herbs together, seasoning to taste after mixing.
3. Spoon ricotta into small ziplog bag and cut the tip off (Think: DIY cake frosting bag)
4. To stuff the blossoms, make a vertical slit from the base that is wide enough to reach inside and take the stamen out.
5. Squeeze ricotta into blossom and fold flower over until closed
6. Coat blossoms/squash in flour.
7. Dip the blossom in the egg and then into breadcrumbs, covering well.
8. Place on tray and bake for 15-25 minutes or until crispy baked and crispy

Part 3—The Assembly

1. Add ground beef to tomato sauce and heat on med-high until hot
2. Ladle surfeit into wide bowl or deep place
3. Lay squash blossoms on top of the sofrito and top with parsley.