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Courgettes: What to Do with Them? Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s Best Seasonal Recipes

Courgettes are a star of the summer garden, often leaving gardeners with an overwhelming supply by the end of the season. Wondering what to do with all those courgettes? Award-winning chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall offers his expert advice on making the most of this versatile vegetable, especially when you’re dealing with a seasonal glut. From rich pasta sauces to tasty soups and bruschetta, here are Hugh’s best tips for enjoying courgettes while they’re fresh and in season.

What’s The Difference Between A Courgette And A Zucchini?

Courgettes and zucchini are actually the same thing! In the UK, we call them courgettes, while in the US, they go by zucchini. Despite the name difference, they’re a versatile, delicious summer vegetable perfect for a range of dishes – so you’re always in for a treat, no matter what you call them.

 

How to Cook Courgettes Without Them Getting Soggy

Question: I love growing courgettes in the summer, but they always end up mushy when I cook them. What’s the best way to cook courgettes so they taste great?

Answer: Courgettes are indeed at their best in the height of summer, but they can get a little tricky in the kitchen if overcooked. Instead of avoiding their softness, my tip is to embrace it! Slowly cooking courgettes with garlic and olive oil until they break down into a rich puree not only captures their delicate flavour but also creates a versatile base for several dishes. This technique works perfectly for bruschetta, pasta, and soups—and bonus: you can freeze it for later, extending your summer bounty into the colder months.

 

Hugh’s Best Courgette Recipes for the Season

Bashed Courgettes on Toast (Courgette Bruschetta)

Ingredients:

  • 700g small, firm courgettes, sliced into thin rounds
  • 2-3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1-2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and courgettes.
  2. Fry gently, stirring often, to avoid browning. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Continue cooking until the courgettes are soft enough to mash with a spoon. The result should be a creamy, tender puree.
  4. Serve on toasted bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil. For extra flavour, top with crumbled goat’s cheese or shaved parmesan.

This bruschetta is the perfect way to enjoy the fresh taste of courgettes!

 

Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe

Turn your courgette puree into a quick and easy pasta sauce that captures the best of the season:

  1. After mashing your courgettes, loosen the mixture with 2-3 tablespoons of cream or milk.
  2. Toss with freshly cooked pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favourite shape).
  3. Garnish with toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds, and finish with grated parmesan.

This seasonal dish is perfect for a light and healthy dinner.

 

Courgette Soup Recipe

When the weather starts to cool, make use of your summer courgette glut by turning it into a comforting soup:

  1. Blend the courgette puree with 400ml vegetable stock and 50g grated parmesan or cheddar.
  2. Add a dash of cream or butter for extra richness.
  3. Reheat gently and serve with a swirl of olive oil or pesto.

This creamy soup freezes well, allowing you to savour the flavour of summer courgettes long after the season has ended.

 

Why Courgettes Are a Seasonal Star

Courgettes thrive in the warmer to milder months, making them a perfect seasonal vegetable for your garden. Their peak growing season runs from Summer into Autumn, meaning you’ll likely see a glut of them right in the middle of summer. Whether you grow your own or pick them up from a local market, using courgettes at their freshest ensures maximum flavour and nutrition.

Not only are courgettes incredibly versatile, but they’re also packed with nutrients like vitamin C, potassium and fibre, making them a healthy addition to your seasonal recipes.

 

Top Tips for Cooking and Preserving Courgettes

Cooking Method

Slow-cook courgettes with garlic and olive oil to create a rich, tender puree that can be used in multiple dishes.

Freezing

Courgette puree freezes beautifully, allowing you to extend the summer flavour into autumn and winter.

Serving Ideas

Use courgette puree for bruschetta, pasta sauces, or soups.

 

Make the Most of Your Veggies!

With these simple but delicious recipes, you’ll never run out of ideas for using up your seasonal courgettes. Whether you enjoy them fresh or freeze for later, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s tips ensure you can make the most of this versatile summer vegetable.