How to cook courgettes

Courgettes, also known as zucchini, are a delicious summer vegetable that are widely available. They’re very adaptable and there are many ways to cook them. I’ve answered as many questions about how to cook courgettes as possible and included some of my favourite options here, including a recipe for sautéed courgettes with lemon and mint.

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Courgettes often appear in abundance in late summer. If you're growing your own you might find that you've ended up with a glut AKA an awful lot of courgettes that you don't really know what to do with.

Fritters, courgette cake, courgetti, stuffed courgettes, chutney, sautéed - these are just a few of the thing you can do with them. Read on to find out more about how to cook courgettes.

How to cook courgettes

It’s best to avoid boiling or steaming courgettes. They already contain a lot of water and boiling or steaming them makes them very mushy.

Don’t let that put you off though. There are many delicious ways to cook courgettes such as:

• spiralising them
• roasting them - try stuffing them (here's a stuffed courgettes recipe I made at work recently)
• frying or sautéing - try frying on a griddle pan for stripy courgettes
• BBQing them in large strips or whole

They are also delicious in curries, soup and fritters.

What about marrows?

First up, what actually is a marrow and how is it related to a courgette? Well, a marrow is simply a large courgette.

Generally speaking the larger the marrow the more watery and bitter it will taste so if you’re buying one look for a smaller size.

If your marrow is very big it’s worth deseeding it before cooking so you can just enjoy the flesh.

Can you eat raw courgette?

Yes, you can eat raw courgette. I would recommend spiralising it into courgette noodles or slicing very thinly and adding to a salad if you're going to eat raw courgette.

How to prepare courgettes

There’s no need to peel courgettes.

Wash before use then cut the ends off and cook into slices, half moons, dice or spiralise.

How to make spiralised courgettes

To spiralise your courgettes you’ll need a spiraliser*. I have a small handheld one that does the job perfectly. Plus it doesn’t take up much space in the cupboard.

If you think you’ll be spiralising a lot you can also get larger spiralisers*. Alternatively some food processors have a spiraliser attachment*. 

Here's how to spiralise your courgette or zucchini:

1. Get your spiraliser and courgette ready

2. If using a handheld spiraliser rotate the courgette and press down at the same time until your spiralised courgette or courgetti comes out the other end. If using a different type of spiraliser follow the instructions.

3. You can eat courgette noodles - sometimes known as courgetti or zoodles - raw. However, I prefer to pan fry them for 1-2 minutes in olive oil and then season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. A little nutritional yeast is also a delicious and vegan-friendly addition.

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How to store courgettes

Courgettes are best stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Can you freeze courgettes?

Courgettes have a high water content and tend to go mushy when frozen and defrosted. 

If you want to freeze your courgettes (or zucchini) it’s best to sauté them first (as below), cool and then freeze in portions. Defrost thoroughly before reheating.

How to preserve courgettes

Courgettes make a great pickle or chutney. Why not give my spiced courgette chutney recipe a try if you have a glut of courgettes you’d like to preserve?

Baking with courgettes

Courgettes also work well in cakes and muffins. My top tip here is to grate the courgette and then use your hands to squeeze out as much water as possible.

Try these courgette muffins or this courgette and lemon cake.

Here are some of my favourite courgette (zucchini) recipes:

• courgette and potato soup
• zoats
• roast veggie couscous
• chickpea and courgette curry
• veggie pasta sauce with zoodles
• pasta with courgettes and lovage
• puff pastry tart
• roasted vegetable pasta
• courgette stir fry

If you have found this post useful you might also like my guide to August’s seasonal vegetables.

How to make fried courgettes with lemon and mint

You will need:

• 2 courgettes
• 2 cloves garlic
• Juice of one lemon
• Small handful mint leaves
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Sea salt and black pepper

1. Cut your courgettes in half lengthways.

2. Slice into half moons.

3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a wok or large frying pan. Add your sliced courgettes and 2 cloves finely chopped garlic.

4. Stir and fry for 10-15 minutes until turning golden brown. Add the juice of your lemon, some finely chopped mint and season to taste with salt and pepper.

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