The fennel mayonnaise below makes an excellent dip for these zucchini spears if serving them as an hors d'oeuvre.
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.
Recipe information
Yield
Serves 2 generously as an hors d'oeuvre or a side dish
Ingredients
For fennel mayonnaise
Preparation
Step 1
In a bowl whisk together flour, beer, and salt and season with pepper.
Step 2
Halve zucchini crosswise. Cut each half into 6 spears and put, skin side down, on a cutting board. With a sharp thin knife cut a lengthwise slit about 1/2 inch deep along top edge of each spear. Halve basil leaves lengthwise and, using dull side of a small knife, push a half leaf into slit of each spear.
Step 3
In an 8-inch heavy saucepan or deep skillet heat 1 inch oil over moderate heat until a deep-fat thermometer registers 375° F.
Step 4
Working in batches of 6, coat spears in batter, letting excess drip off, and fry until deep golden, about 2 minutes, transferring with tongs to paper towels to drain.
