Courgetts

[dinger]

I am now going to show my ignorance. My son won two Courgetts in a quiz and brought them home. The trouble is I have never had one of these vegetables before so please tell me what do I do with them . I keep looking at them and just looking away again I know someone on r m will put me on the right track.
No cheeky answers ladies.

[souter girl]

I slice them fairly thickly, 1/4" ih, diagonally and usuaually steam them - wish I could say how long, they go soft quite quickly - 5-8 mins?

[Crocus]

I only know the baby courgettes (or baby marrows) and I usually cut them in slices, then cook it together with slices potatoes and onions and add a bit of butter and of course seasoning. You could also add diced bacon and/or tomato - lovely. Even a stronger taste sausage like chorizo or something. Don't cook it too long Dinger, it can go a bit bitter if cooked to long.

Son makes a lovely courgette dish with all kinds of interesting things added, and finishes it of with cream but he won't give me the recipe! I know one ingredient is chillies which is quite nice actually. x

[cindy]

or slice them thinly and quickly stir fry them with some garlic and tomato

[franbee]

Or slice lengthwise into 'fingers' and serve raw with a dip, couscous is good.

Or make into ratatouille with onions, peppers and a tin of tomatoes.

[eleanor2]

we had a lovely courgette dish in france.i have tried to recreate it.it is deliscious.i have read in a book.if you boil sliced courgettes in boiled salted water for 3 minutes it takes the bitterness out.then i put slices in an oven proof dish in layers.with a whipped egg, cheese and milk mix(like omellette really)slat,pepper and herbs de provence.in between layers.bake in oven for about 20 mins.mmmmmm

[dinger]

Thank you so much for your advice. My son will be pleased I can now serve up for him. I feel quite ashamed after 51yrs married I had'nt a clue with this vegatable .

[Primrose]

Just think how much you do know though Dinger!

I wouldn't feel ashamed - you and courgettes just haven't met before and they say we are never too old to learn.

Tell us what you all think of them once you have created your dish. By the way shame son didn't win a box of chocs you wouldn't have needed to cook them. xx

[Crocus]

Why feel ashamed Dinger? I don't know the first or last thing about chestnuts, rhubarb, artichokes, parsnips, and a few other I cannot even remember know. That's why you have to come on site - there will always be someone who will know and give advice eh?:cool:

[Gentian]

I slice them lengthwise, scoop out the seeds with a teaspoon and fill with chopped tomatoes. Sit them on a bed of cheese sauce and bake for about 30 mins.


Or slice them dip them in seasoned flour and fry in butter until browned.

[Pippa]

I like them in a risotto and not overcooked.

[dinger]

Like the sound of your recipe Gen and Ell so will give son the choice . I will let you know how it goes .xx

[Catriona]

I use them the way Crocus suggests and also the recipe that Eleanor gives that I got from a French friend, I can recommend it!

[MrZebra]

I chop them into rings about 8mm thick and stir-fry them.

[Crocus]

Thanks Dinger for asking because now we have lots of ideas what to do with courgettes! x

[souter girl]

And not one saucy suggestion among them :D

[Crocus]

Aren't we good eh?;):D

[Crocus]

I like them in a risotto and not overcooked.

Hi Pippa, do you only add courgettes or other ingredients as well? I've never made risotto as it always seems quite tricky. x

[Pippa]

I start off with onions, garlic, maybe some celery if I have it, then the rice and liquid and finally finely sliced corgettes, but, you must watch it like a hawk and keep adding liquid or a slosh of vermouth, I usually listen to the radio whilst doing it. Delia does a risotto than can be put in the oven, a friend of mine did it but it was a bit dry, but a few glasses of vino had been consumed during the preparation!!

[Crocus]

I've seen it made on the telly upteenth times and the stock or liquid seems very important, a ladle at a time. Thanks Pippa, it sounds lovely and I really think I should try it. The vermouth and vino I'm sure add a special touch! x


Dinger, have you prepared the courgettes yet? How did it taste? x

[souter girl]

"When the recipe says add wine(or vermouth) I say to what??" (glass in hand!)
I love cooking with wine - sometimes I even add food :D:D

[Pippa]

I only put the stuff that is not worth drinking into a dish, but some would say there is no such thing as bad wine.

[Crocus]

Oh wow, that's a good tip SG - adding food when cooking with wine ........:D

Isn't there a "rule" which says if you can't drink it, don't add to food? Only to add to food what you will drink? That said, I most definitely would not add even the tiniest little drop of our Famous Grouse Whisky Liqueur to any food. It's too good! Bottle lasted almost 6 years and there's just a teeny weeny bit left, so now even more precious! :cool: