Courgette Fries Recipe

Whether you call them fries, crisps or chips, you may find the humble courgette going up in your estimation when you try this quick and easy snack. They also make a great side dish to grilled sea bass.

If you have some flowers, then give these fried courgette flowers a go.

Courgette fritti make a delicious, healthy alternative to chips. Serve with steak or just as a nibble with drinks.

Ingredients
500 g courgettes
1 tsp. fine sea salt
1 l vegetable oil
150 g plain flour
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. dried mixed herbs
2 medium egg whites

Directions

1. Cut the courgettes into long, thin matchsticks. Add to a sieve and toss with the salt. Leave to drain over a bowl for 30mins.
2. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6. Dry the courgettes gently with kitchen paper. Heat the oil to 160°c in a wide pan. In a shallow bowl mix together the plain flour with paprika and dried herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in 175ml water, you don’t want it completely smooth and lumps are preferable.
3. Whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks. Fold into the flour mixture, it’s fine if there are still lumps.
4. In batches, dredge the courgette pieces in the batter then carefully lay into the oil one at a time. Cook for 3-5mins until golden and crisp. Remove to a kitchen paper lined baking tray. to drain and sprinkle each batch with a little sea salt. Switch off the oven and keep the cooked fries warm in the oven.
5. Serve with mayonnaise.