A - Z Blog Challenge: Z

A-Z Blog Challenge: Z 

Zucchini: ( aka courgette )

The word zucchini comes from the Italian zucchino, meaning a small squash. The French term for zucchini is courgette and that is what they are referred too here in New Zealand as well. 

Zucchinis are quick and easy to cook, and they are delicious - with a delicate squash flavour that lends itself to loads of recipes. My favourite is a very simple one, Zucchini Surprise

Recipe: Rose's Zucchini Surprise: serves 4-6 

Ingredients: 

• 4 medium Zucchini 
• 450gm Sausage Meat 
• 1 large diced Onion
• 1 400gm can whole corn kernels - Drain, freeze juice in a ice cube tray to use another time
• 1/3 cup tomato puree 
• 1 tablespoon garlic - dried or crushed 
• Salt and pepper seasoning
• 1 cup parmesan cheese finely grated 
• bread crusts, old bread slices - just for bottom layer to absorb cooking juices.  

 Method: 

• Pre-heat oven 160oC , Layer bread slices on the bottom of a casserole dish and set aside 
• Place Sausage Meat, onion, parmesan, puree, garlic, seasoning, and using cleans hands, mix together thoroughly.
• Chop ends off Zucchinis then cut in half Lengthways - place these Skin-side down on the Bread to form next layer. If the zucchinis are long you may have to cut them to fit - layer zucchinis as close as possible to form a solid layer. 
• Place sausage meat mixture on top of the Zucchinis - spread out to form a complete layer
• Add corn kernels - forming another layer, gently press corn down a little into the sausage mixture
• Bake 55-60 minutes 
• Use a serving spoon to dish it out as there will be some cooking liquid at the bottom. I use this as a kind of sauce as it is really tasty. 
• Serve with fresh crusty bread - for mop-ups