Grilled Courgette with Goat Cheese, Basil and Honey

Welcome to Eatimi! I’m Olivia Hart — a home-cook who believes delicious food doesn’t need complicated techniques. Here I share easy everyday recipes, family meals, quick ideas for busy days and helpful kitchen tips to make cooking simple and fun. My goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen and enjoy homemade food with joy, comfort and love. 💛

My love for courgettes, or zucchinis as they are known in some parts, began in my grandmother’s garden. She would let me pick them when they were just right, and I cherished our time together. As a child, I was fascinated by how these humble vegetables could transform with just a little bit of seasoning and some heat. Grilled courgette became a staple in our family, especially in warmer months when we could enjoy the outdoors. The smoky flavour paired with creamy goat cheese and fresh basil created a taste that felt both sophisticated and comforting.

This Grilled Courgette with Goat Cheese, Basil and Honey recipe holds a special place in my heart. It’s an embodiment of simple pleasures, reminding me that the best meals often come from the freshest ingredients prepared with love. Cooking this dish brings me back to those bright summer days filled with laughter and family gatherings, where every bite tells a story. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together as we celebrate the magnificence of courgettes.

Grilled Courgette with Goat Cheese: Fundamentals

Grilled courgette with goat cheese represents the perfect blend of flavours and textures. Zucchini’s natural sweetness shines through when grilled, and its versatility makes it a fantastic canvas for various toppings. Whether you’re grilling for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, understanding the fundamentals is vital.

Using fresh ingredients makes a significant difference in the dish’s overall flavour. Opt for medium-sized courgettes as they provide the ideal texture when grilled. Each slice should be about half an inch thick to ensure that they cook evenly while maintaining some crunch. Salt plays a crucial role in drawing out moisture from the courgettes, enhancing their flavour and preventing excess water from compromising the dish.

Understanding the right temperature for grilling is vital. Medium-high heat ensures a nice sear and prevents the courgettes from becoming mushy. The goal is to achieve tender slices with appealing grill marks while keeping the vegetables al dente.

Preparation/setup

Preparation involves a few straightforward steps. Start by removing the ends of the courgettes and slicing them lengthwise into half-inch pieces. This method provides a greater surface area for grilling, helping those lovely char marks to develop.

Next, lay the slices on a plate or cutting board and sift salt generously over them. Allow the zucchini to rest for about 20 minutes. This time enables the excess moisture to drain, ensuring a better grilling experience. After the waiting period, pat each slice dry using a clean cloth or paper towel. This simple trick enhances the grill marks and prevents steaming.

Once your courgettes are prepped, it’s time to get your grill or grill pan ready. Heat it to medium-high and brush olive oil or avocado oil on both sides of each zucchini slice. The oil not only enhances flavour but also prevents the courgettes from sticking to the grill.

Ingredients

To prepare this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 5 medium zucchinis (courgettes)
• Salt
• 1 Tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1.5 Tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Remove ends from zucchini and slice into 1/2-inch pieces, lengthwise.
2. Spread sliced zucchini onto a plate or cutting board, and apply salt liberally.
3. Set aside for 20 minutes to allow excess water to drain out of zucchini. Pat dry using a clean cloth or paper towel.
4. Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush olive oil or avocado oil onto both sides of each zucchini slice.
5. Place slices of zucchini onto the grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway. Zucchini is done when it is tender and grill marks appear. Be sure not to over-cook.
6. Remove zucchini from the grill and serve on a large plate. Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese and freshly chopped basil. Drizzle honey over top and season with salt and pepper, as desired. Enjoy!

Grilled Courgette with Goat Cheese: Technique

Perfecting the grilling technique is essential for achieving the best results. The interplay of heat and timing can elevate a simple courgette into an extraordinary dish. The act of grilling not only enhances the flavour profile but also adds a beautifully smoky aroma.

When laying courgettes on the grill, avoid overcrowding. Give each slice space; this promotes even cooking and allows the grill marks to develop properly. If grilling on a pan, ensure the pan is truly hot before placing the slices, preventing them from sticking and ensuring a crisp exterior.

Tips/tricks

Invert the seasonings to boost the taste experience. While the honey drizzle adds a delightful sweetness, consider experimenting with spices or additional herbs to vary the dish. A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of lemon zest could heighten the complexity and allure of grilled courgettes.

For a heartier dish, try serving grilled courgettes alongside a salad topped with a generous helping of chickpeas or quinoa. These components increase protein content and create a filling meal that still leaves room for the star—the courgette.

Grilled Courgette with Goat Cheese: Perfecting Results

Achieving perfection in grilled courgettes requires attention to both cooking time and method. With its high water content, zucchini can become overly mushy if left on the grill for too long. Aim for tender slices with distinct grill marks, which typically takes around 10-15 minutes of total cooking time.

Overcooking can lead to unsatisfying results, so it’s prudent to monitor the courgettes closely. Remember, they should retain some structure while still releasing their natural sweetness.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your courgettes aren’t achieving those appealing grill marks, consider adjusting the grill’s heat. Not all grills heat uniformly, so a little trial and error might be necessary. Additionally, using an oil with a higher smoke point, like avocado oil, can help prevent burning while grilling.

For a unique twist, consider other toppings such as feta cheese or a sprinkle of chili flakes to introduce a bit of heat. You can also try marinating the sliced courgettes in the olive oil and herbs before grilling to infuse additional flavours.

Grilled Courgette with Goat Cheese: Serving and Presentation

Serving grilled courgette is straightforward yet elegant. The vibrant green of the courgette contrasts beautifully with the white goat cheese and fresh basil. Arrange the grilled slices in a fanned pattern on a serving plate for visual appeal. Garnish with additional basil leaves for freshness and a drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness while enhancing the overall presentation.

Pairings/storage

Grilled courgettes pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve them alongside a light pasta, grilled chicken, or even a hearty grain salad for a balanced meal. Their versatility allows them to complement many flavours while standing out as a delicious dish on their own.

For storage, keep any leftover courgettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will maintain their quality for about 2-3 days. Reheating is easily done in a skillet over low heat, ensuring that the texture remains intact.

Conclusion

Grilled courgette with goat cheese, basil, and honey stands as a testament to the beauty of home cooking. It encapsulates simple ingredients that, when loved and prepared thoughtfully, transform into delightful culinary experiences. Embrace the art of simplicity, and cherish the flavours that nature provides. As you share this dish, remember the stories and moments it evokes—just as it does for me.

Grilled Courgette with Goat Cheese, Basil and Honey

A delightful blend of smoky grilled courgettes, creamy goat cheese, fresh basil, and a touch of honey that embodies simplicity and flavor.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients  

For the courgettes

• 5 medium courgettes (zucchini)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil or avocado oil For grilling
• Salt To taste
• 1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1.5 Tbsp honey For drizzling
• Pepper To taste

Method 

Preparation

1. Remove the ends from the courgettes and slice into 1/2-inch pieces, lengthwise.
2. Spread the sliced zucchini onto a plate or cutting board, and apply salt liberally.
3. Set aside for 20 minutes to allow excess water to drain out of zucchini. Pat dry using a clean cloth or paper towel.
4. Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush olive oil or avocado oil onto both sides of each zucchini slice.

Grilling

1. Place slices of zucchini onto the grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway. Zucchini is done when it is tender and grill marks appear.
2. Remove zucchini from the grill and serve on a large plate.

Serving

1. Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese and freshly chopped basil. Drizzle honey over top and season with salt and pepper, as desired. Enjoy!

Notes

For a heartier dish, serve alongside a salad topped with chickpeas or quinoa. Adjust the grilling heat if necessary to achieve perfect grill marks.