The month of September has arrived and although the days have cooled a few degrees summer is definitely still on our doorstep but here in the Aegean you never really know when Autumn will arrive. So now is the time to make sure you get your fill of all you favourite summer fruit and vegetables. For me that is courgettes – I love them, Fritters, stuffed, grilled and roast. I can never bore of the taste of courgette through the summer. Mezes – Turkish appetizers are perfect summer food, make good amounts and keep them in the fridge for snacking or to add to lunches and evening meals.

Not strictly a Turkish dish but these Zesty baked courgettes with white cheese and walnuts taste of pure summer. Delicious on their own or as a side and especially good Tomato pasta sauce.

Recipe

Ingredients 

• 6 Medium to large courgettes,
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon paprika (Toz Tatlı Kırımızı Biber)
• Juice & Zest of 1 lemon
• 50grams of white cheese or feta - Cubed
• Handful of walnuts – chopped.

• Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.

Method

Wash, and cut the courgettes, remove any seeds and cut into wedges or large battons.

Place the courgettes pieces in a single row and coat in the olive oil and paprika.

Place in the oven and roast for around 30 minutes.

Remove from the oven and drizzle on the lemon juice.

Allow to cool.

Place in a serving dish and scatter on the cheese, zest and walnuts.

Serve.