Frittura mista all’ascolana
This unique dish is a specialty of Le Marche, and is a must-try. An assortment of fried products, this meal is perfect to serve as finger food when entertaining guests.
• 600g lamb chops
• 3 artichokes, rinsed, cored, cut into wedges
• 2 zucchini, rinsed, ends removed, cut lengthwise
• 100g zucchini flowers, stems trimmed, stamens removed
• Grated grana padano cheese (or parmesan), to taste
• Water, as needed
• Oil, for frying
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 eggs
• Flour for coating
For the cream:
• 60g flour
• 60g sugar
•3 eggs
• 400 ml milk
• 1 tbsp grated lemon rind
• 20g butter
1. Start by preparing the cream: combine sugar, flour, eggs and milk.
2. Pour mixture into a sauce pan, adding lemon rind. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add butter and remove from heat. Pour onto a work surface and leave to cool. Cut into small diamond shapes.
4. Soak the artichokes in a bowl of water with the lemon juice.
5. Whisk eggs with the grated cheese.
6. Dip lamb chops, zucchini flowers and cream triangles in egg mixture.
7. Coat artichokes and zucchini slices in flour.
8. Heat oil in a large pan and fry ingredients separately. Set aside to rest on paper towels.
9. Serve hot.