These delicious courgette fries make a nice change to oven chips - and they're a great way of getting the kids to eat more veg.
Whether you call it courgette or zucchini, and whether they're chips or fries, this simple dish is a really heavenly option. Crisp and crunchy, with more flavour than potato chips, it's a brilliant snack or an irresistible side dish to go with steak, pork chops, chicken or even burgers. In this recipe, Italian master chef Antonio Carluccio keeps things pretty simple with a flour and egg batter. You do need to deep fry these to get the lovely crispy finish.
Ingredients
- 600g baby courgettes
- olive oil, for deep-frying
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Top and tail the courgettes and cut them in half lengthways. Cut out the white centre and seeds, if there are any, (this part is too watery for frying), and slice the the remainder into batons. Cut these in half widthways so that you are left with matchsticks about 5cm long.
- Heat the oil in a large, deep pan until slightly smoking.
- Meanwhile, mix the flour and eggs together to make a light batter. Season with salt and pepper. Dip a handful of the courgette matchsticks into the batter, then plunge them into the hot oil. Deep fry in batches, separating them with a spoon, until they crisp, about 4–5 minutes. Drain well on kitchen paper.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Top tip for making Antonio Carluccio's courgette fries
Antonio says: 'Courgettes are probably the most used vegetable in Italy, although they are not given the praise that they deserve. Though the courgette may be humble, it produces wonderful results. It can be eaten raw, fried in slices, baked or grilled whole, stuffed, included in both lasagne and parmigiani'
Can you deep fry with olive oil?
In this recipe, Antonio uses olive oil to deep fry the courgettes. Many cooks prefer not to fry with olive oil due to concerns about its stability at high temperatures, but extra virgin olive oil is, in fact, good for frying with and has a high smoke point. However, it is a more expensive frying option than vegetable oil, so use that if you prefer.
Should I remove the skin on courgettes?
No, there's no need to take the skin off courgettes, and in fact, it gives the courgette fries a nicer taste and texture if you leave it on. You can eat courgettes cooked or raw, with the skin on.
You might also like...
Trusted, informative, and empathetic – GoodToKnow is the ultimate online destination for mums. Established in 2007, our 15-year-strong archive of content includes more than 18,000 articles, 1,500 how-to videos, and 7,000 recipes.
-
Herby chicken with Romesco sauce
Herby chicken flavoured simply with oregano with a rich Romesco sauce - which makes a great dip.
By Jessica Ransom Published
-
Hairy Bikers' Thai chicken and coconut curry
This delicious Hairy Bikers' Thai chicken and coconut curry recipe takes a classic dish and reduces the calories to turn it into a healthy family meal
By Hairy Bikers Published
-
Tom Kerridge's crab mayo on griddled sourdough
Tom Kerridge's crab mayo on griddled sourdough is the perfect healthy recipe you can enjoy making and eating at home. It's so easy to make and looks impressive too.
By Tom Kerridge Published
-
Stuffed lamb shoulder with feta and apricot
Our stuffed lamb shoulder with feta and apricot is infused with lots of Middle Eastern flavours and it only takes 30 minutes of prep
By Rose Fooks Published
-
Stuffed spring leg of lamb with herby chutney
This stuffed spring leg of lamb with herby chutney is best made the night before so it can marinate and intensify in flavour.
By Jules Mercer Published
-
Easter coconut and lemon cake
This Easter coconut and lemon cake serves 12 and leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to three days.
By Jules Mercer Published
-
5 easy ways to let children take risks (without your anxiety going through the roof)
Here's why allowing children to put themselves in 'healthy' risk situations is actually good for them
By Selina Maycock Published
-
I’m a child psychologist - this 2-step technique will stop your kids answering back… and it sounds so easy
We've spoken to a child psychologist and parenting expert about how to handle kids who answer back, and she shared a simple two-step tip.
By Ellie Hutchings Published
-
Top 10 positive traits children learn from their parents - and #5 is no easy task
Have you passed any of these on to your kids?
By Ellie Hutchings Published