Courgettes with crisp cheese crumbs

Just out of the oven

A lovely warming side-dish to something relatively plain like chicken or sausages, this is also a really good use of courgettes for those with a courgette glut at the moment.  Even better is that the kids like it, too!

Serves 3-4

Ingredients

4 courgettes, trimmed and cut into chunky pieces
pinch of dried chilli flakes
1-2 tsp fresh (or less if dried) thyme leaves
1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, crushed or grated
45g dry breadcrumbs
2 tbsp grated Parmesan
tomato passata (or leftover tomato sauce would do fine!)

Method

1.  Heat oven to 100C/180C fan/gas 6.

2.  In a bowl, combine chilli, thyme, seasoning and oil.

3.  Add courgettes and toss to coat.

4.  Place courgettes into baking dish and bake for 20 mins or until softened.

Ready for baking

5.  Meanwhile, put remaining oil in bowl.  Stir in the garlic, breadcrumbs, parmesan and some seasoning.

6.  Once courgettes are softened, pour over enough passata to cover the base of the dish, then sprinkle with the crumbs.

7.  Bake for a further 10-15 mins until crisp.

I served them with Chicken Kiev, new potatoes and peas.  I have to say that the peas were a bit unnecessary and hubby had sneaked one of his potatoes onto my plate, when I wasn't looking!