22 vegetarian courgette dishes for two people to agree on

Courgette contains a lot of water, so high heat and space in the pan matter. For stir-fries such as Summer Squash Stir Fry or Zesty Skillet Zucchini, cook it in a wide pan and avoid covering it, adding salt near the end so it does not draw out moisture too early. For bakes, fritters or Summer Squash Squares, squeeze grated courgette in a clean towel before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Pair it with a source of protein or a substantial carbohydrate rather than relying on courgette alone. Beans in Vegetable Chili or Vegetarian Chili, eggs and cheese in bakes and quesadillas, and grains or bread served with a stew all make the meal more satisfying. If one person needs a larger portion, cook extra beans, rice or bread separately instead of doubling the courgette, which can make the dish watery.

Start with the shared preference, then use texture and effort to narrow it down. A salad or wrap suits a lighter meal, while a chilli, stroganoff or roasted vegetable dish works better when both people want something warm and filling. Nomme lets both people pick privately, then keeps only the overlap, which avoids one person agreeing just to end the discussion.