Techniques for preparing zucchini-like courgettes.

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Courgettes, also known as zucchini, are a tasty summer vegetable that is easily accessible. They're extremely versatile, and there are numerous ways to prepare them. I've answered as many questions as I could about how to cook courgettes and included some of my favorite recipes, including one for sautéed courgettes with lemon and mint.

how to cook courgettes - fried courgettes on plate

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Courgettes are frequently abundant in late summer. If you grow your own, you may find yourself with a glut, or an abundance of courgettes that you don't know what to do with.

Fritters, courgette cake, courgetti, stuffed courgettes, chutney, sautéed are just a few of the ways you can use them. Continue reading to learn how to cook courgettes.

Cooking Courgettes

Courgettes should not be boiled or steamed. They already have a lot of water in them, and boiling or steaming them makes them mushy.

But don't let that deter you. Courgettes can be cooked in a variety of ways, including:

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

They're also great in curries, soups, and fritters.

two courgettes on grey background

How about marrows?

First and foremost, what exactly is a marrow and how is it related to a courgette? A marrow is essentially a large courgette.

In general, the larger the marrow, the more watery and bitter it will taste, so look for a smaller size if you buy one.

If you have a large marrow, it's worth deseeding it before cooking so you can just eat the flesh.

Is it possible to eat raw courgette?

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

How to Cook Courgettes

Courgettes do not need to be peeled.

After washing, cut the ends off and cook into slices, half moons, dice, or spiralise.

How to Spiralize Courgettes

spiralised courgette in blue and white bowl

You'll need a spiraliser* to spiralize your courgettes. I have a small handheld one that works perfectly. It also takes up little space in the cupboard.

If you anticipate spiralising frequently, larger spiralisers* are available. Spiralizer attachments are also available for some food processors*.  

How to spiralize a courgette or zucchini:

courgettes and spiraliser

1. Prepare your spiralizer and courgette.

spiraliser and spiralised courgette on grey background

2. If using a handheld spiraliser, rotate the courgette while pressing down until the spiralized courgette or courgetti comes out the other end. If you're using a different type of spiraliser, make sure to follow the instructions.

spiralised courgette on grey background

3. Courgette noodles, also known as courgetti or zoodles, can be eaten raw. However, I prefer to pan fry them in olive oil for 1-2 minutes before seasoning with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast is also a tasty and vegan-friendly addition.

For future reference, pin how to spiralize courgettes.

spiralised courgette on grey background

How to Keep Courgettes

Courgettes keep best in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Courgettes can be frozen.

Courgettes contain a lot of water and become mushy when frozen and defrosted.  

If you want to freeze courgettes (or zucchini), sauté them first (as shown below), cool, and then freeze in portions. Before reheating, defrost completely.

How to Store Courgettes

Courgettes make a delicious pickle or chutney. If you have a surplus of courgettes that you want to preserve, try my spiced courgette chutney recipe.

Using courgettes in baking

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

Try these courgette muffins or this lemon courgette cake.

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

If you liked this post, you might like my guide to August's seasonal vegetables.

How to Make Lemon and Mint Fried Courgettes

two courgettes, two cloves garlic, mint and lemon juice

You will require:

  • two courgettes
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • One lemon juice
  • Mint leaves, a small handful
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Black pepper and sea salt
chopped courgettes on wooden board

1. Halve your courgettes lengthwise.

chopped courgettes on wooden board

2. Cut into half moons

courgettes frying in pan

3. In a wok or large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add your sliced courgettes and 2 finely chopped garlic cloves.

fried courgette in pan

4. Stir and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Add the lemon juice, finely chopped mint, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Save this recipe for later use.

how to cook courgettes - fried courgettes on plate
how to cook courgettes - fried courgettes on plate
This recipe for sautéed courgettes includes lemon and mint. It's a quick and easy way to enjoy one of the season's most delicious vegetables.
  • 2 courgettes, large
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • A mere handful Mint leaf finely diced
  • Seasoned with salt and pepper to taste
  • Top and tail the courgettes before cutting them in half lengthwise. Cut into half moons
  • In a nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  • Stir in the courgettes and garlic for 10-15 minutes on a low-medium heat. Keep stirring to prevent the courgettes from sticking.
  • When the courgettes are starting to turn golden brown, add the lemon juice, mint leaves, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve right away as a side dish with couscous or pasta.
The nutritional information is approximate and should only be used as a guide.
Calories: 100 kcal Carbohydrates: 7 g Protein: 3 g Fat: 8 g Fat Saturated: 1 g Sodium: 16 mg Potassium: 512 mg Fiber: 2 g Sugar: 5 g Vitamin A: 392 IU Vitamin C: 36 mg Calcium: 37 mg Iron: 1 mg
row of courgettes on grey background spiralised courgette in blue and white bowl

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