Top 10 ways to serve marrow
Is your allotment overflowing? Get creative with these suggestions for using marrow in savoury dishes and bakes.
The versatile marrow could well deserve the title ‘king of the allotment’. Its mild flavour and soft, creamy flesh lends itself to chutneys and curries, as well as being delicious stuffed and baked.
These handsomely sized vegetables are classed as 'cucurbits', which mean they come from the same family as cucumbers, courgettes, squash and melons. In fact, the marrow is actually a courgette that has been left on the plant to grow a little longer and comes into its own around August and September.
Whether you've purchased or grown a few of these green giants, we've got plenty of ideas for how to cook them, below. Also check out our collection of marrow recipes and courgette recipes for more seasonal ideas.
1. Stuffed marrow
Our spicy Spanish stuffed marrow is an easy way to pack your veg with flavour – smoked paprika and chorizo add depth and texture. We recommend finishing off this simple autumnal main with manchego and breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Marrow's mildness pairs well with stronger flavours such as garlic and spices. This is showcased in our gluten-free baked marrow amatriciana, flavoured with smoky bacon, chilli and thyme.
Also check out our stuffed butternut squash and stuffed courgette recipes.
2. Marrow jam
The traditional way to use up extra veg from your growing bonanza is to make them into delicious jams, chutneys and preserves. Our marrow & ginger jam also works well with courgettes and only has four ingredients. This zesty conserve will mature and intensify in flavour over the months. So store it away in a dark, cool place, wait and enjoy!
Find more perfect preserves with our homemade jam recipes.
3. Marrow cake
We love vegetable-based cakes. We get to use up a glut, feel like a virtuous cook and enjoy a slice of cake with our cuppa. This nutty marrow & pecan cake with maple icing is topped with smooth soft cheese frosting and will blow your standard carrot cake out of the water. The grated marrow keeps the cake moist and squidgy and the pecans add a final crunchy flourish.
Transform your allotment bounty into more sweet treats with our garden glut cake recipes.
4. Marrow salad
Just a drizzle of maple syrup dressing, a scattering of hazelnuts and cavolo nero makes an impressive, healthy salad. The tender, roasted marrow and crunchy radishes are sure to please your family's palate and make a nice addition to any veggie feast. A sprinkling of parmesan adds the perfect savoury touch to complement the sweetness of the maple syrup. Try our maple-roasted marrow on cavolo nero salad.
Celebrate more seasonal veg with our autumn salad recipes.
5. Marrow soup
Need a bowl of comfort? Look no further than this thick and creamy marrow soup, made with coconut milk, butter beans and curry powder. The gentle spicing comes through without being overpowering, making it perfect to enjoy with all the family.
Warm up with more of our autumn soup recipes.
6. Marrow curry
There's nothing nicer than a homemade vegetable curry – warming, filling and healthier than a takeaway. If you're looking for a side to accompany a rich chicken or lamb curry, this smashed curried marrow is full of fresh coriander, garlic and lemon juice. It's vegan, too, if meat isn't on the menu.
Stir up more fragrant vegetarian curry recipes.
7. Marrow chutney
Make a big batch of marrow chutney to see you through the winter. This fruity preserve includes a punchy combination of ginger, apples, sultanas and shallots. As well as making a great gift, our marrow chutney is the perfect accompaniment to cold meats, sandwiches and cheeses.
Check out more seasonal chutney recipes, including autumn tomato chutney and fig chutney.
8. Slow-cooked marrow
This vegetarian slow cooked marrow stew is similar to a caponata and makes a comforting family dinner. Marrow is slow-cooked along with veggies such as fennel and tomato, allowing them to absorb all the delicious flavours in the pan. Mop up the juices with crusty sourdough or serve alongside grilled meat.
Browse more warming slow cooker recipes.
9. Healthy stuffed marrow bake
Want something healthy but hearty? Our simple stuffed marrow traybake uses lighter turkey mince along with storecupboard essentials such as chopped tomatoes and dried mixed herbs. It's budget-friendly and low in calories but delivers on taste, making it a perfect family midweek meal.
10. Marrow lasagne
This recipe says to use grated courgette, but you can easily sub in marrow. Layer with lasagne sheets and plenty of other fresh seasonal veg from your allotment for a comforting veggie pasta bake.
Tuck into more comforting vegetarian lasagne recipes.
Get more allotment insipiration...
Garden glut cake recipes
Top 15 ways to use courgettes
How to make a potato salad
Courgette cake recipes
Butternut squash recipes
Top 10 summer salads
Courgette recipes
Beetroot recipes
What's your favourite way to use up marrows and allotment veg? Leave a comment below...
Comments, questions and tips
