In the summer months the tunnels are brimming with courgettes. They grow so well and are delicious in so many recipes, and we’ve shared lots. These courgettes can be air fried or oven baked. I like to keep the temperature low so they cook slowly, soften in the middle and turn golden on top.
This easy garlicky cashew cream is full of flavour and deliciously morish topped with nutty breadcrumbs you’ll be coming back for more.
Let us know if you’d like to try it,
Lou x
Ingredients: serves 1 as a starter or 2 as a side
- 1 or 2 courgettes (use 2 if you can fit them in your air fryer basket)
- 1 bulb garlic
- oil
- Salt and pepper
- For the cashew cream
- 1 cup of cashews soaked in boiling water for 1 hour
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- small pinch of salt
- Ground black pepper
- The roasted bulb of garlic – prepared in step 2
- Around 60-80ml of water for blending consistency
Nutty breadcrumbs
- 1 slice of bread
- 1 handful of whole almonds
To serve: - Fresh basil leaves
Lemon zest
METHOD
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer or oven to 160ºC fan.
Step 2: Prepare the garlic bulb, cut the top off the bulb exposting the cloves, place on a square of tin foil and drizzle with oil. Close up the tin foil to make a parcel.
Step 3: Slice the courgettes in half lengthways then lightly score the white flesh in a criss cross shape, sprinkle with salt and place upside down on kitchen paper to let some of the moisture drain out. After 10 minutes, cut in half to fit in the basket, drizzle in olive oil and place in a preheated air fryer or oven add the garlic bulb parcel to the basket too. Slow cook for about 20 – 25 minutes, checking half way through.
Step 4: To make the garlicky cashew cream. Discard the water off the cashews, then blend with all the other ingredients as well as the roasted garlic, just squeeze out the soft cloves. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 5: To make the nutty breadcrumbs, whizzed up the bread and almonds in a blender. Pour onto a frying pan drizzle in olive oil, salt and pepper then toast until crispy. Let it rest on a plate lined with kitchen roll until ready to use.
Step 6: To serve, spread the cashew cream on a plate top with the golden courgettes, sprinkle with the nutty breadcrumbs, lemon zest and fresh basil.
Enjoy
