Courgette Chips

There are many uncertainties when growing your own vegetables, but if there’s one thing you can pretty much guarantee, it’s that you will end up with more courgettes than you actually know what to do with. There are so many recipes out there for using courgettes—from fritters to salads, pasta, and even cakes (I do have a really good recipe for courgette cake which I will no doubt make at some point). However, there are some basic recipes that I regularly turn to during the season. One of these is courgette chips. Delicious, golden, savoury, crunchy yet softly yielding, and ultimately so very moreish. Need I go on? This is one recipe that turns the humble courgette into something really special.

Why Grow Courgettes

Now, I know that courgettes don’t have a reputation for being anything particularly special, and some claim that they are even quite tasteless. But for me, they still earn a place in the Rogues Haul kitchen garden. Although relatively cheap to buy, the difference in quality between a shop-bought courgette and one you can pick and eat immediately is obvious. You can also grow different shapes and colours as well as choosing the optimum size for your dish of choice.

Courgettes grow well in our climate and, from my experience, grow well pretty much anywhere they have enough room. Each plant can produce an extraordinary number of courgettes, and regular picking just stimulates the plant to produce more fruit. Just a handful of plants will ensure you have a profusion of these versatile vegetables throughout the summer months

Choosing the Right Courgettes

I find it best to use courgettes that are on the smaller side (about 15 to 20 cm). Larger ones can still be used but but you may want to slice the outer flesh and remove the more spongy centre. The yellow varieties works particularly well for this recipe as they naturally seem to have a firmer texture which helps them retain some structure when you bake them.

Courgette Chips Recipe

Ingredients

• Courgettes (smaller ones, about 15 to 20 cm)

• Seasoned flour (salt, pepper, and your choice of spices)

• 2 beaten eggs

• Breadcrumbs (with optional finely grated Parmesan)

  
  

Method

1. Prepare the Courgettes: Chop the courgettes into batons.

2. Set Up Dredging Stations: Prepare three bowls—one with seasoned flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.

   • Seasoning Tips: The seasoning in the flour is entirely up to you and limited only by the extent of your herb and spices collection. In addition to the basic staples of salt and pepper, I often add paprika, garlic granules, cumin, Italian herbs, or even chilli flakes and sumac. Whatever really takes your fancy.

   • Egg Mix Tip: If you want any particular flavour to be more prominent, a neat trick is to add this ingredient to the egg mix. This works particularly well for things like chilli flakes, which will cling to the courgette more effectively when contained in the egg mixture.

   • Breadcrumb Tip: Another great little tip is to add finely grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs.

3. Dredge the Courgettes: Dip each baton into the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs.

4. Bake: Place the batons evenly spread on a baking tray. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 190°C fan (210°C if not a fan oven) for about 15 minutes until golden and crispy.

5. Season and Serve: Season well with salt and pepper before serving as a brilliant alternative to normal potato fries

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Courgette Chips

Courgette chips are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to complement your delicious courgette chips:

Dips and Sauces

• Garlic Aioli: A creamy garlic aioli pairs perfectly with the crispy texture of the courgette chips.

• Tzatziki: This refreshing Greek yogurt dip with cucumber and mint adds a cool contrast.

• Spicy Mayo: For a bit of a kick, mix mayonnaise with sriracha sauce or some chipotle.

• Hummus: A classic dip that adds a rich, nutty flavor.

  
  

Main Dishes

• Grilled Chicken: Serve the courgette chips alongside grilled chicken for a light and healthy meal.

• Fish: They make a great alternative to traditional chips when served with fish, whether it’s grilled, baked, or fried.

• Burgers: Use them as a side for your favorite burger, adding a unique twist to the classic burger and fries combo.

• Steak: Pair them with a juicy steak for a hearty and satisfying meal.

  
  

Salads

• Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the courgette chips.

• Tomato and Mozzarella Salad: The fresh flavors of tomatoes and mozzarella complement the savory chips well.

  
  

Other Ideas

• As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a tasty snack.

• With a Cheese Board: Add them to a cheese board for an interesting and crunchy addition.

• In a Wrap: Use them as a filling in a wrap with some fresh veggies and a drizzle of your favorite sauce.

  
  

These are just a few ideas to get you started. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and enjoy your courgette chips with whatever you fancy!