Jamie Oliver Stuffed Courgette

I didn’t expect this dish to be quite so… evocative. Jamie Oliver Stuffed Courgette sounds tame on paper. But in practice, It’s summer on a plate. There’s something about stuffing flowers—actual flowers—that feels ceremonial. Almost a little absurd. But also kinda thrilling. Mint and lemon and peas whirled into this pale green paste, slightly tangy, flecked with cheddar. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

For the creamy filling:

• 4 sprigs fresh mint
• 1 cup peas (fresh is magic, frozen works)
• ½ cup ricotta
• ¼ cup mature Cheddar
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• Freshly ground black pepper

For the courgettes:

• 8 baby courgettes with flowers still hanging on

For the roasting chaos:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (bursting, overripe ones are best)
• 4 spring onions
• 8 black olives, stone-in (yes, deal with it)
• 1 fresh red chilli
• 2 garlic cloves
• A couple glugs of olive oil
• 2 splashes red wine vinegar
• 1½ cups basmati rice
• 700ml boiling water

How To Make Jamie Oliver Stuffed Courgette

1. First, preheat your oven—200°C or 400°F if you’re playing along in Fahrenheit. Gas 6. Whatever you’ve got.
2. Grab a food processor. Toss in the mint, peas, both cheeses, lemon zest and juice, a crank of pepper. Blend it up until it looks like spring had a baby with a cheese shop. Taste it. More lemon? More cheese? Do it.
3. Now comes the bit that slows you down—in a good way. Take each courgette flower and gently spoon in that minty ricotta mix. I tore a few petals. Who cares. They still taste like heaven. Pat the flowers closed like you’re tucking them in.
4. Now throw your chopped tomatoes into a big roasting tray. The messier the better. Add sliced onions, ripped-up olives (stones out!), chilli, garlic. Drizzle with oil. Vinegar too. Pepper it all up. Stir. Now rice. Then pour in that boiling water. It’ll hiss.
5. Put it on the stove. Bring it all to a boil. The rice will start to swell, the smell will make you pause—garlic, vinegar, tomato heat.
6. Finally, nudge those stuffed courgettes into the chaos. Not all the way down—just enough to cozy them in. Then slam the whole tray into the oven. 20 minutes. Maybe a bit more if you like a crispy edge. I do.
7. When it comes out? It’s rustic and golden, the flowers a little blistered, rice plumped up like it’s been soaking in sunshine. Eat it hot. Maybe with a sharp little salad and a glass of whatever white you’ve got chilled. Not optional.

Why I Love This Recipe

I made this on a humid Friday when I felt like I needed a reset. Something green. Something that made me feel like I’d accomplished more than just emails. Everyone at the table did that slow first bite—then looked up. It was quiet. That kind of good quiet. I felt kind of proud.

Recipe Tips

• Can’t find baby courgettes with flowers, Use regular ones. Halve them. Scoop them. Stuff away.
• No ricotta,Cottage cheese in a pinch. Cream cheese too, if you’re wild.
• Chilli is flexible. Add more if you’re feeling bold.
• Don’t skip the lemon. Just don’t.
• Let it rest before serving. Trust me. Everything comes together better that way.

How To Store This Jamie Oliver Stuffed Courgette

• At room temp: Fine for a couple hours on the table. But not all day. You know?
• In the fridge: Airtight. 3 days. Still good cold, honestly.
• In the freezer: Sure, freeze it. It’s not quite the same when reheated, but it works.
• Reheating: Oven: 180°C. Cover it up. 15 minutes or so. Microwave: Middle power. 2–3 minutes. Stir halfway. Check it.

Let’s Answer a Few Questions!

Can I skip the flowers?
Yeah. Just stuff halved courgettes. Still delicious.

How do I know when it’s ready?
Fork should glide into the courgette. Filling hot. Rice done.

Hate ricotta. What else?
Cream cheese. Or cottage cheese. Your call.

Can I prep ahead?
Yes. Do the filling and veg early. Assemble later.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 174
• Carbs: 16.4g
• Protein: 8.5g
• Fat: 8g
• Sugar: 3g
• Fibre: 0.7g
• Sodium: 0.7g

Try More Recipe:

• Jamie Oliver Lamb Ragu
• Jamie Oliver Macaroni Cheese Cauliflower
• Jamie Oliver Lamb Rogan Josh