La Chatte Gitane (or The Gypsy Cat) was the name we chose for our cottage in France at the time. We chose it while on the road, moving house the first time round, from Ireland to France with 2 dogs and 7 cats in the car.
This blog began its insignificant life as a recipe book for friends and family who would ask me repeatedly for a recipe of this, that and the other.
Since then it has taken many different directions, like we did and like gypsies tend to do. Sometimes making a U-turn and revisiting familiar roads and taking a break when necessary.
You'll find recipes here, but also musings about the places we've called home, the gardens that we've established, not always successfully, the homes we've improved and the environments we've lived in. Currently, after yet another stint in Ireland, we're back in France @ Le Mas d'Ayen

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Griddled Marinated Courgettes


When they start growing, they won't stop.  I have a problem with picking them before they get too big and then finding interesting ways to prepare them so we don't get bored with eating courgettes every single day during summer ;-)

It is no hardship as we like courgettes. 



An easy to make and delish stand-by, these griddled beauties,  for salads,  on bruschetta, on pizza, in quiche or omelette, on your cheese sarnie, in a pasta dish and they make a nice change in a moussaka. Do I need to say more ? Very versatile.


Ingredients    quantities are approximates
  • medium sized green and yellow courgettes, 1 of each
  • 1 medium patty pan squash or 2 smaller ones (I used the white variety)
  • coarse seasalt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • juice of 1/2 lemon
  • handful of freshly chopped mint
  • olive oil
  • sunflower oil
Preparation
  • Slice the courgettes lengthways, 1/2 cm thick
  • Put the patty pan flat on the work surface and slice vertically, into 1/2 cm discs
  • Bring all the slices into a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, toss them around, so the courgettes are all slightly coated.
  • Use a griddle pan (is not a necessity, but makes it look nicer) and let it get rather hot.
  • Griddle the courgettes a few at a time on both sides

  • When cooked through, bring them into a bowl.
  • Squeeze a little lemon juice over the courgettes, a sprinkle of salt, black pepper and a drop of olive oil.
  • Finish all the sliced courgettes like this, but beware of too much salt.
  • Add the mint and toss.
  • Adjust the seasoning and lemon juice to taste
  • It can be kept in the fridge for a good couple of days, but you then need to cover with sunflower oil (don't use olive oil for this as it will be too bitter)


Will be seeing you at the next courgette meeting, I hope.
Patricia xxx...x

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