Courgette jam

Excellent for snacks or aperitifs, courgette jam is an original and very versatile Sicilian recipe.

Courgette jam, or typically called "Sicilian cucuzzata", is an unusual and original jam that uses long courgettes (with all the peel) instead of the classic fruit. This is an alternative method to preserve the summer flavor of this seasonal vegetable all year round. Use courgette jam to accompany spicy cheeses or to fill canapés during aperitifs with friends, you will see that you will make a great impression and it will be fun to challenge them to guess the main ingredient of the compote.

You will never believe it, but it will also be perfect for your early morning breakfasts , for a genuine snack or even for making desserts! Let's go and prepare this very easy courgette jam!

Preparing the courgette jam recipe

1. Wash the courgettes with their peel, removing only the ends and cut them into small pieces .
2. Mix the courgettes with the sugar, lemon zest and juice in a pan and stir occasionally. You will notice that the courgettes will soon begin to release their water. Cook over a low heat for about 40 minutes .
3. Blend all or part of the jam to obtain a more velvety mixture and pour into sterilized jars .
4. Close the jars tightly and turn them upside down, leaving the jam to cool. Then turn the jars once the jam is very cold.
5. Enjoy as you like!

For good results, use the courgettes for the preparation of the recipe when they are not yet ripe, but have a light green colour. You can also use classic dark or Genoese courgettes: the important thing is that they are not too large. In the case of long courgettes you will get the typical Sicilian recipe.

We also leave you a video where all the steps are illustrated. The quantity of sugar is different because it depends on taste, but the process does not change.

If you are looking for other ways to preserve courgettes , we recommend you try our recipes for having themin oil and vinegar : in the pantry, just like courgette jam, they will keep for up to a year.

Variations and tips for courgette compote

If you prefer to feel the full-bodied consistency of the courgette, do not blend it but store the jam directly in the jars immediately after cooking.

Try flavoring the courgette jam with a vanilla pod or a pinch of cinnamon . Adding a glass of cognac before preparation will accentuate their aroma even more. You can add pine nuts or walnuts to give crunchiness to your recipe.

storage

You can store the jam in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year .