Recipes to Use Up a Glut of Summer Vegetables

This collection of Recipes to Use Up a Glut of Summer Vegetables is perfect for this point in August, when the tomatoes, peppers, courgettes and aubergines all seem to ripen at once. It brings together a classic French ratatouille, Turkish saksuka, a sweet and spicy tomato chilli jam and a few crispy air fryer sides, ideal for gardeners, allotment holders and anyone who overdid it at the market. Don't forget to save this list for your next overflowing veg box.

Traditional French Ratatouille

Tomatoes, aubergine, courgette and peppers simmer with garlic and herbs in this French classic. Serve it as a main over rice or couscous, or as a side with grilled chicken or lamb.

To learn more: Traditional French Ratatouille

Saksuka (Turkish Vegetable Meze)

Shallow-fried aubergine and other seasonal vegetables are coated in a simple garlicky tomato sauce for a popular Turkish meze. Serve it at room temperature with plenty of warm bread.

To learn more: Saksuka (Turkish Vegetable Meze)

Ajvar - Red Pepper and Aubergine Dip

Roasted red peppers and aubergine are blended with garlic, vinegar and oil for a smoky dip popular across the Balkans and Turkey. Add a chilli or two if you like a bit of heat.

To learn more: Ajvar - Red Pepper and Eggplant Dip

Baba Ganoush Without Tahini

Roasted aubergine and red peppers are mashed with lemon juice, olive oil and pomegranate molasses for a smoky Turkish-style dip. Serve it with warm pita bread, or alongside grilled meat, fish or vegetables.

To learn more: Baba Ganoush Without Tahini

Thai Style Tomato Chilli Jam

Ripe tomatoes and chillies cook down slowly into a sweet and spicy jam with barely ten minutes of hands-on work. Spoon it over cheese, eggs or anything off the grill.

To learn more: Thai Style Tomato Chili Jam

Tomato and Rice Recipe

Short-grain rice cooks with fresh tomatoes, butter and olive oil for a fluffy, lightly tangy Turkish pilaf known as Domatesli Pilav. It's one of the best ways to use up very ripe tomatoes.

To learn more: Tomato and Rice Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Courgette Fries

Courgette sticks are coated and air fried until crunchy on the outside and tender inside. They make a good alternative to regular chips alongside dinner, or a snack with a dip.

To learn more: Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Biber Salçası - Turkish Red Pepper Paste

Fresh red peppers cook down slowly on the stovetop or in the oven into a thick, deeply red Turkish paste. It's the backbone of so many Turkish dishes and one of the best ways to preserve a pepper glut.

To learn more: Biber Salçası - Turkish Red Pepper Paste

Air Fryer Roasted Courgettes with Red Onions

Seasoned courgette rounds and sliced red onions roast in the air fryer with paprika, salt and pepper. Serve them with a dollop of yoghurt as a light main or an easy side.

To learn more: Air Fryer Roasted Zucchini with Red Onions

Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

Roasted red peppers and ripe summer tomatoes are blended into a naturally sweet, low-carb soup. Fully ripe tomatoes are the key to its flavour, so August is the right time to make it.

To learn more: Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup