Smoky Ratatouille Stuffed Courgette

Meanwhile, halve the courgettes lengthways, then use a spoon to carefully scoop out the core until 1cm remains on all sides (keep the scooped out core for later, it will be used in the ratatouille).

Place the hollowed out courgettes on a lined baking tray. Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper.

Bake on the middle shelf of your oven until softened, 10 mins. 

Meanwhile, put the couscous in a large bowl.

Pour in the boiled water for the couscous (see pantry for amount), stir in half the vegetable stock paste, then cover tightly with cling film. Leave to the side for 10 mins or until ready to serve.

Meanwhile, halve, peel and thinly slice the red onion. Peel and grate the garlic (or use a garlic press). Roughly chop the parsley (stalks and all). Roughly chop the courgette cores into small pieces.

After 10 mins, remove the courgettes from the oven and set aside.

Heat a drizzle of oil in a large frying pan on medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onion and stir-fry until softened, 4-5 mins.

Add the garlic and courgette cores and fry, 2-3 mins.

Stir in the passata, mixed herbs, smoked paprika, sugar and water for the sauce (see pantry for both amounts) and remaining vegetable stock paste.

Bring to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer until thickened, 4-5 mins. Once ready, stir the roasted aubergine into the sauce.

Meanwhile, heat your grill to high. 

Once the sauce has thickened, remove from the heat and stir in the butter (see pantry for amount) and half the Italian style cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Fill the roasted courgette halves with as much of the ratatouille as you can (you will use the rest later, so don't worry it it doesn't all fit in).

Sprinkle on the remaining cheese, then pop them under the grill until the cheese is golden and bubbling, 5-6 mins. 

Meanwhile, fluff the couscous up with a fork and stir in two thirds of the parsley. Season with salt and pepper.