I think most people like crumbles and many gardeners end up with a glut of courgettes that they don't know what to do with so when I came across a recipe for courgette crumble I was intrigued. I expected it would be a savoury dish with maybe a crumble topping containing cheese but no this was a dessert. Courgettes for dessert? It can't work can it? But then again that is what I thought about using squash to make a pumpkin pie and when we finally decided to have a go and make one it was nothing like we expected.
To resolve my curiosity I decided to have a go at courgette crumble being prepared to be disgusted. I wasn't convinced enough to make a large crumble and decided to make just two individual crumbles. I was so confident of failure that I made about a fifth of the recipe.
Firstly I cut up two small courgettes (one green and one yellow) and stewed them in lemon juice until they were soft.
Then sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg were added and the mixture cooked a little longer.
The mixture was shared between two ramekins.
I just put crumble of the top (the recipe says to press some of the crumble mix on the base, place on the fruit mix and then sprinkle the rest of the crumble mix on top). The crumble was then popped into the oven to bake. Being small the crumbles only took 20 minutes rather than the longer time suggested in the recipe.
The recipe blurb states "You would never guess that this crumble is made with courgettes and not apples!"
As we each sat waiting for the other to try it first we were not convinced but surprise, surprise - it really did taste like apple crumble. What next courgette and blackberry crumble?
If you fancy having a try at this recipe, the original is here.
I also have reinstated the courgette recipe page that I put together last year - the link is on the sidebar or click here. I have made a few additions so let me know if you have an interesting (and tested) way of using all those courgettes and I'll add it to my list.
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Ha, you have made my day. Courgette crumble coming up. So far this week I have made blackcurrant and elderflower cakes and mint choc chip muffins, both containing courgette. I'm on a roll, there'll be no stopping me now.
ReplyDeleteHope you like it, CJ - if you make anything that you want to share on my courgette recipes list let me know
DeleteIt just doesn't seem right, does it? Courgettes for dessert. We definitely need to be inventive though to use up the glut. Do you think the cinnamon is essential to the recipe as it's one of the few things I dislike?
ReplyDeleteI think it probably needs something to flavour it, Jo. Maybe leave out the nutmeg and try something like ginger, allspice or cook with cloves and remove. Or maybe you could add raisins or nuts. If you try let me know what you do.
DeleteAh, so when we buy "Apple Pie" from the shops do you think we may actually be getting courgettes? I reckon a lot of people would be grateful for that recipe, since at this stage of the year they are probably bored wth savoury recipes for courgettes. My daughter made the mistake of planting four courgette plants - can you imagine how many courgettes they have produced...?
ReplyDeleteAnything is possible, Mark.
DeleteMmm - we planted 21!!!! Believe it or not though they aren't producing as big a glut as usual.
Oh for a glut! The plot slugs enjoyed the glut of my plants, and the site thieves enjoyed the glut of my neighbour's ripe-and-ready-courgettes she was going to share with us! But the courgette recipe ideas you have kindly published excite me for next year when stringent measures will be taken!
ReplyDeleteI usually reinstate the courgette recipe list at the appropriate time each year with any additions, Jill. So sickening when mindless people spoil things.
DeleteI am so trying that Sue and I think I may have to share that recipe around. Just hoping it's more successful and better tasting than the cauliflower mash I tried a few months back - raw Cauli does not taste good when it's blended no matter what you mix it with and no matter what health nuts tell you - EW!
ReplyDeleteNever heard of this Courgette recipe but I'm going to try it - would it work for Marrows do you think? Not that I've neglected my Courgette plants of course - I'm sure there'll be non marrows in there somewhere......hopefully!
I'd never heard of it either Linda, I don't know about marrows maybe a bit tougher?
DeleteWell I never did - would have thought it. Looks really tasty - must definitely try this. 21 COURGETTE PLANTS - ARE YOU CRAZY.
ReplyDeleteNot me Martyn. Once the seeds germinate it seems sad not to let them grow! We do give pots away although they are cropping steadier this year with less moisture about I guess
DeleteThat should have read - who would have thought it - the comment box had a little hiccup whilst I was typing.
ReplyDeleteI often suffer from the same problem Elaine.
DeleteWStruth, there you go, you live and learn. I never would have believed this would taste nice, and as I have a glut I'll certainly give it a go.xxxx
ReplyDeleteMaybe we can start a trend, Snowbird!
DeleteGreat idea and looks lovely. I will be checking out the list as we're overrun with them!
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy, Damo
ReplyDeleteWhy not? Beetroot in chocolate cake is very in vogue right now, and carrot cake, courgette bread, and many more. I am now thinking savoury crumble (I already make savoury bread and butter pudding) with a crumbled cheese scone type topping~~hungry now, and getting ready for a big dish of garden grown veg tonight.
ReplyDeleteI was expecting a savoury crumble when I saw the recipe Deborah and not a pudding! But as you say - why not?
DeleteThat's great! Will definitely have a go at that and pass it on to my fellow allotment holders!
ReplyDeleteHope you like it, Belinda
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