Top 10 things to do with courgettes

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Posted at 1:02PM, 02 July 2012 by Lily Barclay - Writer, bbcgoodfood.com

Nothing signals the start of summer like a bountiful harvest of fresh, homegrown courgettes. But if your crop gets out of control, it can take some serious imagination to make the most of your pickings.

From creamy lasagnes to tempting tarts we have an abundance of recipes for this versatile veg. Just remember to pick your bounty before it gets too big, as the smaller the courgette the better the flavour. Courgettes can reach marrow-size surprisingly quickly - and no one wants their veg patch to star in its own Day of the Triffids remake...

Perfect pasta

Who can resist a comforting bowl of pasta? Quick, cheap and popular with kids this is the perfect dish to use up the humble courgette. Cheese & tomato pasta bakes can be made in bulk and frozen so are perfect for busy families and carbonara-style courgette & bacon pasta can be whipped up in minutes. Or if you are looking for something simple but special then check out this creamy courgette lasagne.

Discover more courgette & pasta recipes.

Tart it up

Whether you're throwing a dinner party or a casual summer picnic, the savoury tart has to be one of our favourite dishes. And as far as we're concerned courgettes and cheese are a match made in heaven - try it in a deep-filled courgette & goat's cheese tart or a courgette & Parmesan tart.

Discover all our courgette tart recipes

Cakes and bakes

Courgettes are not just for savoury dishes, and this moist chocolate courgette cake is a decadent way to prove the point. Try a zesty and fragrant bake with this frosted courgette & lemon cake or get the kids in the kitchen and help them whip up a batch of courgette muffins with this child-friendly recipe.

Discover all our courgette cake recipes

Super salads

Courgettes' subtle, delicate flavours lend themselves well to salads where they can be showcased with true simplicity. John Torode's chargrilled courgette, edamame & feta salad is full of fresh, fragrant flavours. Give it a Spanish twist with roast red peppers & chorizo, or enjoy it raw and thinly sliced with quinoa & feta for a filling summer salad.

Discover all our courgette salad recipes

Soothing soups

With our versatile British summer, a soothing courgette soup can be the perfect thing to see you through a cool summer evening. Get comfort in a bowl with this hearty courgette, potato & cheddar soup , make it light with spring vegetables & basil pesto or spruce up a rocket & courgette soup with goat's cheese croutons.

Discover all our courgette soup recipes

In a pickle

You can't find a better way to preserve your courgette crop than with a chutney or pickle, and they also make great gifts for friends and family. Crunchy courgette pickle makes a scrumptious side to cold poached salmon or barbecued burgers for a true summery hit. Or add a bit of punch to your pickle with this spiced courgette chutney.

Discover all our courgette pickle recipes

Pizza perfection

Add the taste of a British summer to this Italian classic, from cool courgette, chilli & mint pizzas to this super-healthy veggie delight. Having trouble getting the kids to share the courgette love? This cheesy courgette pizza ought to do the trick.

Discover all our courgette pizza recipes

Super side

We do love courgettes but they don't always have to be the star of the show. Cheesy baked courgettes are delicious served with grilled meat and fish, and we cannot resist courgette fritti as a healthy alternative to chips. Courgette fritters with tomato & feta salsa make a morish starter for four or serve with a variety of other sides for a tapas-style feast.

Discover all our courgette side recipes

Use your loaf

Who can resist a slice of home baked bread fresh from the oven? Try serving courgette & mushroom bread as a side to a summer soup or simply with a bit of butter. Make something different to the usual loaf with courgette, potato & cheddar bread or add a bit of spice with Indian bread with courgettes and coriander.

Discover all our courgette bread recipes

Stir it up

Stir seasonal courgettes into a light, fresh risotto for the perfect dinner party dish. This fresh one-pot summer courgette risotto should be a hit with everyone, including the kids. Or add a touch of sophistication with fragrant lemon, salty capers & sage or marinated aubergine & mint.

Discover all our courgette risotto recipes

Do you have any tips or advice for using up a courgette glut? We'd love to hear your recipe ideas...

Comments

Foodisan

4 July 2012, 1:28PM
Foodisan

We made some chocolate brownies with corgette not so long ago and they went down an absolute treat. Check us out for artisan foods around the UK http://www.foodisan.com

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Tanya frm Malta

19 July 2012, 9:18AM
Tanya frm Malta

In Malta it's the season for our nice round courgettes which taste great and are very popular here, so these recipes are very welcome. Incidentally one of our favourite ways is to stuff some of the big round courgettes with a meat sauce and bake in the over. You get the top all nice and cruncy and the insides a delicious ragu' - yummy!

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Poppalino

25 July 2012, 6:04PM
Poppalino

I had some Bolognaise mince sauce over recently, so hollowed out a largish courgette and packed it inside, Baked in oven for 30mins it was a revelation with family..

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