Watery sauce: reduce, thicken or change the assembly
Find the source of excess liquid before correcting texture and overcooking the dish.
Home cooking · Side dish
Courgette and mozzarella bake
A cream-free vegetable bake with precooked courgettes to reduce the liquid at the bottom of the dish.
15Preparation · min
35Cooking · min
4Servings
Step-by-step preparation
- 01
Preheat a conventional oven to 200 °C. Wash the courgettes and cut into half-rounds about 5 mm thick. Slice the onion, chop the garlic and drain and tear the mozzarella.
- 02
Heat the oil in a wide pan and soften the onion for about 3 minutes. Add the courgettes, working in batches if needed. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring; they should lose water while remaining slightly firm.
- 03
Add garlic and oregano for the final minute. Season and transfer to a shallow baking dish. Reduce any substantial liquid left in the pan before adding it.
- 04
Scatter over the mozzarella. Bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese has melted and lightly browned and the courgettes are tender. Allow the heat to subside briefly before serving. Adjust for your oven and dish depth.
Indicative times for the original quantities. Side dishes are prepared separately. Adjust cookware and batches when changing servings.
Reduce moisture before baking
Precooking stops the cheese trapping all the courgettes’ water. A shallow dish helps evaporation. A thick layer may leave a watery centre while the surface browns.
Drain the cheese
Fresh mozzarella also adds moisture. Drain it and leave its packaging liquid out of the dish. Mozzarella intended for baking may give a drier result; season according to the product.
Plan the rest of the meal
The four portions are side-dish portions. Add legumes, eggs or another preparation separately. The cheese contains milk. Omitting it changes both the flavour and texture.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the bake watery?
The courgettes may not have reduced enough or the cheese may be poorly drained. Use a shallower dish and extend uncovered baking only if the top is not browning too much.
Can I prepare the courgettes ahead?
Yes, if cooled and stored according to the storage guide. Add cheese before baking. Cold courgettes may need a longer oven time.
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