Discover How to Cook Courgettes the Right Way

There are many ways to use courgettes as an accompaniment to meat or fish, so not all dishes that contain this squash member are vegetable recipes. In fact, it is worth noting that courgettes aren’t true vegetables at all since they’re a type of squash belonging to the gourd family of plants. That means courgettes are actually fruits from a botanist’s perspective. Nevertheless, they’re typically used as vegetables in cookery. Read on to find out how to cook courgettes for great results every time.

How to cook courgettes

You can simply boil courgettes by cutting them into batons or coins —much like a carrot, for example— and putting them into boiling water until they are cooked. However, this method can lead to waterlogging since the soft, fleshy parts tend to soak up the water they’re being cooked in. Boil courgettes for no longer than five minutes or, for even better results, use one of the handy methods outlined below.

How to cook courgettes in the oven

To cook courgettes in the oven, you will want to roast them until they’re tender and sweet. The key to roasting them is to not cut the courgettes so small that they fail to hold their form. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Begin by preheating the oven to 180°C or a little higher if you don’t have a fan-assisted model.
2. Place a courgette onto a chopping board and —for standard-sized ones— cut it in half across the middle.
3. Lie each half down and, having removed the ends, cut it down the middle from top to bottom so the squash is effectively quartered.
4. Next, cut each quarter from top to bottom to form batons.
5. Place the batons of the courgettes —and any others you are planning to roast— onto a roasting tray, spreading them out evenly with their skins down.
6. Drizzle the courgette batons with a little olive oil and season them with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Wearing oven gloves, put the roasting tin into the oven on a centrally positioned shelf.
8. After 20 to 25 minutes, when the courgettes are just starting to turn brown, remove them from the oven and serve.

How to cook courgettes in a pan

To cook courgettes in a pan:

1. Begin by cutting the courgettes across the middle into coin shapes, measuring about half a centimetre or so in width.
2. Discard the very top and bottom of the squash, as only the edible sections should be cooked.
3. Place the courgette coins into a frying pan with oil or melted butter on medium heat.
4. Cook them for about three to five minutes, turning them over and moving them from time to time, ensuring all parts cook evenly.
5. Transfer the courgettes to a serving dish when they’re done.

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How to cook courgettes in an air fryer

Here’s how to air-fry courgettes for best results:

1. Cut the squashes into coin shapes, as outlined above, but make them chunkier, about twice as wide as they are when frying them in a pan.
2. Cut each courgette coin in half to form a half-moon shape.
3. Put all the courgette pieces into the air fryer’s cooking tray.
4. Set the air fryer to 200°C and cook the courgettes for five minutes.
5. Remove the tray and serve.

Courgettes vs zucchini

If you want to prepare a recipe that calls for courgettes but you only have zucchini, then don’t worry. Likewise, if you have found a zucchini recipe but would like to substitute courgettes, then you can do so. These are simply different words for the same ingredient, which means you can use either since they’re exactly the same!

Best courgette recipes

With so many courgette recipes to choose from, you could be spoiled for choice. That being said, some dishes that feature courgette really stand out. A good example is Creamy Citrus and Courgette Rigatoni, which tastes delicious on a summer’s evening when you don’t want anything too heavy. If you want to prepare a dish that won’t take too much time, then Herby Chicken with Courgette is a superb choice and one of the tastiest recipes around. Of course, you could always try both and see which you think is best.

FAQs

Are zucchini the same as courgettes?

Although Italians and French people have their own words, zucchini tends to be the preferred term for courgettes in the US. These names can lead to confusion when British people read American recipes. The bottom line is they’re one and the same.

Why is zucchini called courgette? 

Although Italians and French people have their own words, in the US, zucchini tends to be the preferred term for courgettes, which can lead to confusion when British people read American recipes. The bottom line is they’re one and the same.

What is courgette in English?

In English, courgette is a French word that is widely used for this type of squash. However, it is worth noting that English speakers also tend to use the word marrow to mean fully mature courgettes.

What is the best way to eat courgettes? 

This is a matter of opinion, and there is no definitive answer. That being said, raw courgettes retain more nutrients and antioxidants so that’s the healthiest way to consume them. 

Can you eat courgette raw?

Absolutely, raw courgettes taste good and are ideal for making into batons and using for dips. They’re superb as crudités when served raw.