Grilled courgettes with pesto and goat’s cheese
We love growing courgettes as they are so easy to look after, and a couple of plants it plenty to feed a family throughout the summer. Courgettes are easy and tasty to grill, and this recipe uses pesto and goats’ cheese to add extra layers of flavour.
Ingredients
Serves 4
4 large courgettes
1 tbsp salt
PESTO
1 clove garlic
50g pine nuts
50g fresh basil
1 tsp sea salt
100ml rapeseed oil
Juice ½ lemon
20g grated hard cheese such as Parmesan or Pecorino
GARNISH
25g pine nuts – toasted
Zest ½ lemon
One small handful of flaked hard cheese
60g soft goat’s cheese or curd
Parsley & mint – about 2 tbsp of each, roughly chopped
Method
1. Using a mandolin or sharp knife slice the courgettes lengthways into thin slices and sprinkle over salt. Place into colander to allow excess water to drain away.
2. Blend the ingredients for the pesto and set aside.
3. After 30-60 minutes remove the courgette slices and if they are still wet use some kitchen towel to pat them dry.
4. Grill the courgette slices over direct heat until charred, don’t worry if they look dry to begin with, they will loosen with the oil in the pesto.
5. Gently mix the grilled courgette slices with the pesto to ensure all sides are coated.
6. Place on a plate and scatter the toasted pine nuts, lemon zest, and hard cheese, using a spoon place small dollops of the soft goat’s cheese or curd. Sprinkle with herbs.