How to freeze courgettes
Got a glut of courgettes? Find out how to freeze blanched or cooked courgettes to defrost later for use in recipes such as courgette risotto, lasagne, tarts and nachos.
Freezing courgettes is a great way to avoid waste if you have a glut. It will also make the cooking time a little quicker when you come to cook them from frozen.
Like most vegetables, if frozen raw, the texture and taste of courgettes will deteriorate into a mushy, grey and unpleasant shadow of its former self, with the goodness leeching away. Make sure you blanch or cook it first to preserve the colour, flavour and nutrients.
Make the most of the season with these courgette recipe ideas and then find out our top ways to use courgettes.
Basic methods for freezing courgettes
Freezing blanched courgettes
- Slice the courgettes into thick rounds or cut into batons.
- Bring a pan of water to the boil. Prepare a bowl of iced water and line a baking tray with kitchen paper.
- Boil the courgettes for about a minute, then remove with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge into the bowl of iced water. Leave for another minute, then drain and arrange on the kitchen-paper-lined tray. Pat dry, then lay the courgettes on a second tray and freeze until solid. Transfer to a labelled resealable freezer bag and freeze for up to a year.
Freezing roasted courgettes
Slice the courgettes into thick rounds or cut into batons, then drizzle with a splash of olive oil and arrange on a baking tray. Roast for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of courgette, at 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Leave to cool completely before freezing as above.
Cooking from frozen
There's no need to defrost frozen courgettes before cooking – throw them straight into dishes that will be cooked or baked, like stews, casseroles, pasta bakes and tarts.
To avoid frozen courgettes becoming overly mushy, you can pan-fry it in a hot frying pan with a little olive oil or butter for a minute or so until piping hot.
Recipes that can be made with frozen courgettes
Use defrosted courgette in our irresistible courgette, jalapeño & feta nachos.
Make our vibrant courgette & broad bean risotto with basil pesto using frozen courgettes and broad beans to make the most of summer veg.
Try frozen courgette in this comforting spinach & courgette lasagne, a perfect midweek meal for all the family.
Mix roasted courgettes with smoky aubergine and tomato compote in this stunning ratatouille tart with flaky cheddar & thyme pastry.
Use frozen courgettes in these protein-rich courgette tortilla wedges with pesto & rocket.
More courgette inspiration:
Top 15 ways to use courgettes
How to use up courgettes
Grow your own courgettes
Our vegan courgette recipe collection
What’s your favourite way to cook courgette? Let us know in the comments below.
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