Potato and Courgette ( Zucchini ) Kugel

Well what can I say about this dish? This is seriously one of the tastiest dishes created with such simple ingredients. The Kugel is a Jewish Classic and is commonly made using egg noodles and served at Jewish festivals. This version, which is absolutely moreish, uses potatoes and courgettes for the base ingredients which are held together with an egg-like chickpea batter. Usually served as a side dish, this is also perfect as a main and is wonderful hot or cold.

90 Minutes

Serves 4

? kcal per serving

METHOD

Start by greasing a medium sized baking dish, put to one side and preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius ( 400 F ), Gas Mark 6.

Now prepare the vegetables.

In a processor, or using a grater, grate the potato, courgette and onion and place into a bowl. Using a clean tea-towel or large square of muslin, place the mixture into the center, gather the sides and twist the top to squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Place this mixture back into the bowl and add the garlic and lemon juice. Mix well and leave to one side as you prepare the batter.

In a small bowl, add the chickpea flour and mix with 120 ml ( 1/2 cup ) water. Whisk well and put to one side.

Now in a saucepan, add the 180 ml (3/4 cups ) water along with all the other ingredients.

Bring this to the boil, and when boiling, slowly pour in the chickpea flour mix, whisking continuously as you add. The mixture will start to thicken and you should continue, over a low heat, to whisk the mixture until it becomes glossy and thick. This will take about 3 minutes.

Using a spatula or similar, put the batter and the plain flour into the bowl with the vegetables and using your hands, mix everything together well. The mixture will be very thick and gooey.

Spoon into the baking dish, distributing evenly, and then dot with a little margarine.

Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes in the center of the oven.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. This is also delicious when served cold.

RECIPE NOTES

This is delicious cold and perfect for a picnic or sliced into a salad.

RECIPE TIPS

Getting the chickpea mixture to the right constancy is key to the texture of the dish. Be sure the mixture gets to the glossy stage before moving on with the recipe.