Olive Oil Courgette Recipe

Courgettes are among the freshest and lightest vegetables of the summer season. Thanks to their high water content and delicate texture, they cook quickly and, when paired with fresh dill and premium extra virgin olive oil, become a refreshing summer dish.

However, overcooking courgettes can cause them to release too much moisture and lose their shape. For this reason, controlling both the cooking time and the heat is essential.

Enamel-coated cast iron casseroles distribute heat evenly, helping courgettes retain their shape while allowing the natural flavours of the vegetables to shine.

Ingredients

• 5 medium courgettes
• 1 onion
• 2 tomatoes
• 4–5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Salt
• Fresh dill
• ½ tea glass of hot water

Method

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Wash the courgettes and cut them into large cubes or half-moon slices. Finely chop the onion and garlic.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add the olive oil to an enamel-coated cast iron casserole. Gently soften the onion and garlic over a medium heat without allowing them to brown.

3. Add the Tomatoes

Add the tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until they form a light sauce.

4. Add the Courgettes

Add the chopped courgettes to the casserole. Season with salt and pour in a small amount of hot water.

5. Cook Over a Low Heat

Cook over a medium-low heat for approximately 20–25 minutes. Avoid stirring too frequently to help the courgettes retain their shape.

6. Finish with Dill

Remove the casserole from the heat, stir in the finely chopped fresh dill and allow the dish to rest before serving.

Advantages of Cooking Courgettes in an Enamel-Coated Cast Iron Casserole

Gentle, controlled heat is especially important when cooking delicate vegetables such as courgettes. Enamel-coated cast iron casseroles:

• Retain heat evenly for extended periods.
• Encourage vegetables to cook in their own juices.
• Help courgettes soften without losing their shape.
• Provide efficient cooking over a low heat.
• Offer practical everyday use thanks to the enamel coating.
• Can be taken directly from the hob to the table with their elegant design.

These qualities make enamel-coated cast iron casseroles an excellent choice for preparing light summer vegetable dishes, combining ease of use with consistently reliable cooking results.

Chef's Tips

• Cut the courgettes into evenly sized pieces.
• Avoid adding too much water.
• Do not stir the dish too frequently during cooking.
• Add the fresh dill after removing the casserole from the heat.
• Serve chilled for the best flavour.

Serving Suggestion

Serve the olive oil courgettes with strained yoghurt, fresh mint and a drizzle of premium extra virgin olive oil for a light and refreshing addition to your summer table.

Simple presentations using LAVA's cast iron serving pieces highlight the natural colours of seasonal vegetables while adding an elegant touch to your table.