Best Ever Caramelised Courgettes with Almonds

This recipe for caramelised courgettes offers a simple yet impactful side dish, perfect for enhancing any weeknight meal. It maximises efficiency by cooking the courgettes and red onion together, allowing their natural sugars to develop a rich, sweet flavour profile while the almonds toast to a golden crisp. The entire process, from initial preparation to serving, is designed to be completed well within 30 minutes, making it a reliable option for busy schedules. The combination of tender, sweet vegetables, crunchy almonds, aromatic garlic, and a bright citrus finish creates a sophisticated accompaniment without requiring extensive culinary effort or complex techniques. This approach ensures a satisfying result with minimal active cooking time, fitting seamlessly into a mindful home kitchen routine.

Quick Overview

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
• Serves: 2-3
• Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 2 medium courgettes (approx. 400g), trimmed and thinly sliced into rounds or half-moons
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 50g sliced almonds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make It

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the sliced courgettes and red onion, spreading them in a single layer if possible.
2. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the courgettes are tender and both the courgettes and onion begin to caramelise and turn golden brown.
3. While the courgettes cook, in a separate small dry frying pan, toast the sliced almonds over a medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Remove immediately from the pan to prevent burning.
4. Once the courgettes and onion are caramelised, add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the toasted sliced almonds and squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the vegetables.
6. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then toss everything gently to combine before serving.

Serving & Storage

Serve these caramelised courgettes immediately as a vibrant side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or a simple grain. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a frying pan or microwave, though the almonds may lose some of their crispness.

Nutrition

Nutritional information is an estimate. This dish provides a good source of vitamins, fibre, and healthy fats.

One last thing

Developing a repertoire of reliable recipes, particularly those that come together quickly, helps establish a consistent and calm approach to weekday cooking. Knowing you can produce a flavourful meal without stress allows for a more enjoyable experience in the kitchen, fostering a sense of accomplishment.

This method of caramelising vegetables and adding a fresh, bright finish is a technique that can be applied to various other ingredients, creating new possibilities for simple, effective dishes.