A baked omelette with attitude or a type of savoury bread pudding? You decide. This courgette strata is a take on an Italian classic and it makes for a quick, easy and satisfying meal. Great for a substantial brunch, lunch or evening repast. Hey, you can even call it zucchini strata if you like.
2medium courgettes (zucchini)or 1 large one - cut into roughly 2 cm chunks
4-6sprigfresh thymeor use 2 tsp pesto instead
4-6sprigmarjoramor oregano (or pesto as above)
2spring onions (scallions)sliced
1small red chillifinely chopped - remove seeds if you don't like the heat
1plump clove of garlicfinely chopped
15gunsalted butter
4thick slices wholemeal breadcut into bite sized chunks
10cherry tomatoesor roughly chop 2-3 medium or 1 large tomato instead
1handfuspinach(optional)
3eggs
100mlmilk
1tbspdouble cream (heavy cream)(optional)
½tspsea salt
Instructions
Set the oven to 160℃ (320℉, Gas 3).
Heat the olive oil in a large oven proof, non-stick pan over a medium heat. I use a 10" (25 cm) cast iron skillet.
Fry the courgettes for five minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the herbs, spring onions, chilli and garlic and continue to fry for a further two minutes.
Add the butter, wait for it to melt, then add the bread chunks. Fry for a further five minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the tomatoes and spinach if using. If using mature spinach, chop it first, but baby spinach will be fine as is. Toss together for a couple of minutes until the spinach has wilted.
Meanwhile, thoroughly whisk the eggs, milk, cream (if using) and salt together in a jug. Pour over the courgette mixture and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. The eggs should be just set and any bread poking out of the top crispy.
Notes
Serves two as a main meal and four as a light lunch.If you're making this as a main meal for more than two people, you'll need to use a larger oven proof pan, or tip the contents of your pan into a large oven proof dish before adding the egg mixture.For for a more attractive finish, scatter the tomatoes over the top rather than stirring into the mix.If you like the idea of cheese, add a few slices or some grated to the top before it goes into the oven.Please note: calories are per serving. They’re approximate and will depend on exact ingredients used.