The courgette is a wonderfully versatile vegetable, which can be cooked in a variety of ways. Plus, you might not think to, but you can also serve courgette raw in salads.
So, here are a variety of ways of cooking courgette perfectly every time, according to a chef.
How to fry courgette
Cut your courgette into rounds or batons. Then put oil in a pan - but not too much because courgettes are a very spongey vegetable, so they'll soak up any liquid they come into contact with. Make sure the oil in the pan is nice and hot, then pan-fry the courgette for a couple of minutes on each side. Then you can add some flavourings. Try salt, pepper, soy sauce, miso or sweet chilli sauce.
How to roast courgette
Pre-heat your oven to 180ºC (160ºC Fan). Cut the courgette into 1 cm wide batons, then toss them with oil, salt, pepper and whatever other flavourings you want - chilli is quite nice, and so is a little mint. Roast the batons in a roasting tin for 15 minutes uncovered. If you want to add a cheese, like feta, crumble it over 5 minutes before it's time for the courgette to come out of the oven.
How to chargrill courgette
Use a mandolin or a sharp knife to cut the courgette lengthways. You want them about 0.5cm thick. Cover the courgette in oil, salt and pepper. Put your pan over a medium heat - there's no need to add any oil to the pan as you’ve already oiled the courgette. Place the courgette into the pan, and cook them for a couple of minutes on each side. Serve with fresh mint leaves sprinkled on top.
How to cook courgetti
Use your spiralizer to make yourself some courgetti. Then blanche it for 30 seconds in salted boiling water. Remove the courgetti, add to the sauce of your choice and toss.
How to serve courgette raw
Courgette is actually really lovely served raw in salads. It can either be sprialized or you can use a potato peeler to get thin ribbons of courgette. To do this, you simply have to run long slices off the courgette; turning it each time until you reach the seedy centre. Then toss it with whatever else you want. This courgette salad with sundried tomatoes, peas and goat’s cheese is particularly nice.
