Jamie Oliver Courgette Gratin Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s courgette (zucchini) gratin is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that makes the perfect side for any meal. Courgettes, or zucchinis, are baked in a rich cream sauce and topped with crispy breadcrumbs and melted cheese, creating a comforting and delicious gratin. This is an ideal dish for using up courgettes when they are in season, and it pairs beautifully with roasted meats or fish.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

1. Creamy and Cheesy: The rich sauce and golden cheese topping make this gratin irresistibly creamy.
2. Perfect Side Dish: This courgette gratin works well as a side for roasted chicken, fish, or even as a vegetarian main.
3. Simple Ingredients: With basic ingredients like courgettes, cheese, cream, and breadcrumbs, this dish is easy to put together.
4. Great for Using Seasonal Veggies: It’s a perfect recipe for when courgettes are plentiful during the summer months.
5. Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors by adding different cheeses, herbs, or even other vegetables.

What is Courgette Gratin?

Jamie Oliver Courgette gratin is a baked dish featuring layers of thinly sliced courgettes (zucchinis) cooked in a creamy sauce, topped with cheese and breadcrumbs. The result is a rich and savory dish with a crispy, golden top and a soft, creamy center.

Jamie Oliver Courgette Gratin Ingredients

• 4-5 medium courgettes (zucchinis), thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 200ml double cream (heavy cream)
• 100g grated cheese (Gruyère, cheddar, or Parmesan)
• 50g breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Other Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Orange Marmalade
• Jamie Oliver Steak And Mushroom Pie
• Jamie Oliver Sausage Rolls

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Courgette Gratin

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a baking dish or gratin dish with a little olive oil or butter.

2. Cook the Onion and Garlic

In a large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and slightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Prepare the Courgettes

Thinly slice the courgettes into rounds, about 5mm thick. You can use a mandoline for even slices, or a sharp knife.

4. Make the Cream Sauce

Pour the double cream into the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir in the thyme, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Simmer the cream mixture for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat.

5. Layer the Courgettes

Arrange half of the sliced courgettes in an even layer in the greased baking dish. Pour half of the cream mixture over the courgettes and sprinkle with half of the grated cheese. Repeat with the remaining courgettes, cream mixture, and cheese.

6. Add Breadcrumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the courgette gratin. This will create a golden, crispy crust when baked.

7. Bake the Gratin

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the courgettes are tender and the top is golden and bubbling.

8. Garnish and Serve

Remove the gratin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and freshness, if desired.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Courgette Gratin

1. Roast Chicken: This gratin pairs beautifully with roast chicken for a comforting meal.
2. Grilled Fish: Serve it alongside grilled salmon or cod for a lighter, more summery dish.
3. Steak: For a heartier option, pair the gratin with a juicy steak.
4. Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the gratin.
5. Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Courgette Gratin

1. Use Fresh Courgettes: Fresh, firm courgettes are key to the best texture and flavor. Avoid overly large courgettes, as they can be watery and less flavorful.
2. Dry the Courgettes: To avoid a watery gratin, lightly salt the courgette slices and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. Pat them dry with a paper towel before layering them in the dish.
3. Cheese Variations: Feel free to use a mix of cheeses, like Gruyère for nuttiness and Parmesan for a salty kick.
4. Herb Additions: Add fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil for more flavor. You can also add a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat.
5. Make Ahead: You can assemble the gratin ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.

Variations of Jamie Oliver Courgette Gratin

1. Cheesy Courgette Gratin: Add extra cheese like mozzarella or cheddar for a richer, cheesier version.
2. Vegetable Gratin: Add thinly sliced potatoes, sweet potatoes, or tomatoes for a more complex, layered gratin.
3. Vegan Courgette Gratin: Use plant-based cream and vegan cheese to make this dish vegan-friendly.
4. Spicy Gratin: Add a dash of chili flakes or finely chopped fresh chili to the cream sauce for a spicy kick.
5. Herb-Crusted Gratin: Mix fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or parsley into the breadcrumb topping for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver Courgette Gratin?

• Refrigerate: Store leftover courgette gratin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for Later: Courgette gratin can be frozen. Allow the gratin to cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Courgette Gratin?

1. Oven Reheat: Reheat the gratin in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and crispy on top.
2. Microwave Option: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, though the top may lose some crispness.
3. Air Fryer: Use the air fryer to reheat the gratin for 3-5 minutes to regain some of the crispness.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg

FAQs

How do I stop courgette gratin from becoming watery?

To prevent courgette gratin from becoming watery, lightly salt the courgette slices and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel before layering them in the dish.

Can I make courgette gratin ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the courgette gratin ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to a few hours before baking. Just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I freeze courgette gratin?

Yes, courgette gratin can be frozen. Let the gratin cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating in the oven to maintain the best texture.

What cheese works best for courgette gratin?

Gruyère, cheddar, and Parmesan are excellent choices for courgette gratin. Gruyère adds a nutty flavor, cheddar brings richness, and Parmesan provides a salty, sharp contrast. A mix of these cheeses creates a well-rounded flavor.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s courgette gratin is a simple yet delicious dish that brings out the best in seasonal courgettes. With its creamy sauce, crispy topping, and rich flavors, this gratin is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it as a side dish or as a vegetarian main, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion.

More Jamie Oliver Recipes

• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Lamb Curry
• Jamie Oliver Lamb Stew
• Jamie Oliver Chicken Thighs Curry
• Jamie Oliver Honey Roasted Parsnips And Carrots

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