Courgette fries with spicy mayonnaise

According to my daughter, these courgette fries are like “vegetarian calamari”.  I know what she means.

While no one would confuse the texture of squid with courgette, they are similarly satisfying in flavour and crunch. And being baked, they are reasonably healthy as well.

I first ate them at a Vancouver restaurant called Las Tapas that I adored, and have been making my own version ever since.

Courgette fries
(serves 4)

• 3 medium-sized courgettes, cut into batons
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• garlic salt and pepper
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp hot sauce, or to taste
• 1 small clove garlic, crushed

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil two baking sheets.
2. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
3. Pour the breadcrumbs into another bowl and season with garlic salt and pepper.
4. Dip the courgette pieces into the egg and then the crumbs to coat.
5. Arrange the courgettes on the baking sheets, and bake for about 30 minutes (or until crisp), turning once.
6. While the courgettes are baking, whisk together the mayonnaise, hot sauce and garlic. Season to taste.
7. Serve the courgette fries with the spicy mayonnaise and lemon wedges.

Tags: dairy-free, finger food, Spanish food, vegetarian, zucchini