🌿 Festive Herb-Roasted Zucchini Boats with Sweet Corn, Sage & Citrus Gremolata

A warm, vibrant, nourishing centrepiece that feels celebratory yet light

This recipe is designed to look abundant, taste comforting, and still align with clean, whole-food eating. It works beautifully as a festive side dish or a light main, and it’s easy to elevate for guests.

Why this dish works for the festive season

• Zucchini keeps things light and digestible (great after rich meals)

• Sweet corn adds warmth, colour, and natural sweetness

• Sage & thyme bring that unmistakable holiday aroma

• Fresh herbs + citrus keep it vibrant and modern

• Naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and easy to make dairy-free or vegan

Ingredients (serves 4–6 as a side)

For the zucchini

• 4 medium FF courgettes/zucchini

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp fresh FF thyme (or ½ tsp dried)

• 4–6 fresh FF sage leaves, finely sliced

• Sea salt & cracked black pepper

For the festive filling

• 1 cup FF sweet corn (fresh or lightly steamed)

• 1 small FF red onion or shallot, finely diced

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh FF coriander

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh FF parsley

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Optional: ¼ tsp chilli flakes (gentle warmth)

Optional festive upgrade (choose one):

• Toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds

• Crumbled feta or goat’s cheese

• A drizzle of tahini or herbed yoghurt

Method

1. Prepare the zucchini

• Preheat oven to 190°C

• Slice zucchini lengthwise and gently scoop out the centre to form “boats”

• Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, thyme, and sage

• Roast cut-side up for 15–18 minutes until just tender (don’t overcook)

2. Make the warm corn & herb filling

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan

• Sauté onion until soft and lightly golden

• Add garlic and sweet corn, cook 2–3 minutes

• Remove from heat and fold in:

  
  

  • Parsley, coriander

  
  

  • Lemon zest & juice

  
  

  • Chilli flakes (if using)

Taste and adjust salt — this filling should be bright and fragrant, not heavy.

3. Assemble & finish

• Spoon filling generously into zucchini boats

• Return to oven for 8–10 minutes

• Finish with your chosen festive upgrade:

  
  

  • Seeds for crunch

  
  

  • Cheese for richness

  
  

  • Tahini or yoghurt drizzle for creaminess

Serving ideas (to elevate it further)

• Serve on a large platter, scattered with fresh herbs

• Add a final drizzle of olive oil infused with thyme or sage

• Pair with:

  
  

  • Whole-grain pilau

  
  

  • Lentil or chickpea salad

  
  

  • Roasted carrots or beetroot

Join Us Today!

Not yet part of our veg box community? You’re warmly invited to join us and experience the joy of eating with the seasons. Every Tuesday and Friday, we deliver farm-fresh produce straight from our fields to your doorstep, harvested with care and packed with goodness. Alongside your box, you’ll also receive recipes, tips, and inspiration to help you make the most of what’s inside.

It’s simple, to get started: sign up and shop at shop.forestfoods.co.ke, and let us bring the farm closer to your kitchen.