Are you looking for a simple, healthy and fragrant recipe to make on your plancha grill? Grilled courgettes are one of the best side dishes for summer barbecues. Thanks to cooking over wood fire, they develop delicious smoky notes while retaining a tender and slightly crunchy texture.
Faciles à préparer, économiques et riches en saveurs, les courgettes grillées au brasero accompagneront parfaitement une côte de bœuf, des gambas flambées ou un magret de canard.
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT
- Un brasero plancha COEO
- A cooking tongs
- A cutting board
- A stainless steel spatula
- A large salad bowl
Number of people : 4
Preparation time : 15 minutes
Marinating time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 8 to 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS
- 4 medium courgettes
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of herbs de Provence
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Fleur de sel
- Black pepper from the mill
- A few leaves of fresh basil
- A few shavings of parmesan (optional)
Wash the courgettes thoroughly.
Cut them into long slices about 5 mm thick lengthwise.
In a salad bowl, mix the olive oil, chopped garlic, herbs de Provence and lemon juice.
Add the courgettes and mix so that they are perfectly coated in marinade.
Leave to rest for 15 minutes.
Preheat your COEO plancha grill until the plate is hot but not burning.
Place the slices of courgette on the plancha.
Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on the first side.
Turn them over and continue cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
The courgettes should be tender while retaining a slight firmness.
Remove them from the plancha.
Add fleur de sel, a twist of the pepper mill, and a few fresh basil leaves.
For a more indulgent version, sprinkle with parmesan shavings just before serving.
WHY COOK COURGETTES ON THE GRILL?
Grilling allows the natural sugars in the courgette to concentrate.
The heat of the plancha promotes a slight caramelisation that develops much more intense flavours than steaming or boiling.
The wood fire also adds smoky notes particularly appreciated in Mediterranean cuisine.
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL COURGETTES ON THE GRILL
- Choose firm, small courgettes.
- Cut even slices for uniform cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the plancha.
- Turn the courgettes only once.
- Season after cooking to preserve their texture.
- Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
INDULGENT VARIATION: COURGETTES WITH PARMESAN AND BASIL
When the courgettes are still warm :
- Add some shavings of parmesan.
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil.
- Drizzle with a splash of olive oil.
- Add some lemon zest.
This version pairs perfectly with grilled meats and fish cooked on the grill.
MEDITERRANEAN VARIANT WITH FETA
For an even more summery recipe :
- Crumble 150 g of feta over the warm courgettes.
- Add some black olives.
- Sprinkle with fresh oregano.
- Finish with a drizzle of lemon.
An ideal recipe for an appetizer or a light starter.
WHAT SIDE DISH TO SERVE WITH GRILLED COURGETTES?
These grilled courgettes pair perfectly with :
- Rib of beef on the barbecue
- Flambéed prawns on the plancha
- Duck breast
- Marinated chicken on the grill
- Grilled salmon
- Beef skewers
- Warm goat cheese
For drinks, opt for a rosé from Provence, a Picpoul de Pinet or a fresh Chardonnay.
COEO TIP
Add some cherry tomatoes and red onions on the grill while cooking the courgettes. The vegetables will cook together and create a complete Mediterranean side dish with vibrant colours.
FAQ: GRILLED COURGETTES ON THE GRILL
SHOULD YOU PEEL THE COURGETTES?
No. The skin adds structure during cooking and contains many flavours.
HOW LONG TO COOK COURGETTES ON THE GRILL?
Generally count 6 to 8 minutes depending on the thickness of the slices.
CAN WE PREPARE THE COURGETTES IN ADVANCE?
Yes. They can be marinated several hours before cooking.
WHICH OIL TO USE?
Extra virgin olive oil remains the best choice for this recipe.
HOW TO AVOID COURGETTES GOING SOFT?
Use a sufficiently hot plancha and avoid overcooking.
CAN THEY BE SERVED COLD?
Yes. Grilled courgettes are also excellent in salads or as a starter.
