These baked courgette fries make an excellent side dish, or hot nibbles for when you have guests.

Words and recipe: Jane Wrigglesworth

The recipe makes enough for four side servings. Double the recipe if making nibbles for several people.

INGREDIENTS

3 courgettes
1 egg
¼ cup milk
½ cup flour
Salt and pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated parmesan cheese

METHOD

Preheat oven to 220°C. Cut the ends off each courgette and cut into 7-8cm strips, about 2cm wide.

Lightly beat the egg in small bowl, add milk and combine. In another bowl, add the flour and season with salt and pepper to taste.

In a third bowl, combine panko and parmesan cheese, and add more seasoning. Dip the courgette pieces into the flour mix, shaking off any excess. Coat in the egg mixture, then roll in the panko mix. Place on a greased oven tray and bake for 20-25 minutes until crisp and golden.

Make a dip with equal parts mayonnaise and sour cream, a drop of lemon juice and freshly chopped herbs of choice.