As the temperatures rise, the last thing you want to do is work over a hot stove in a sweltering kitchen, but you don’t have to resort to fast food or cold sandwiches. The best summer recipes are all about quick cooking times and light, fresh flavors from the garden. Try these four easy home-cooked meals to beat the summer heat.
Crockpot Al Pastor Bowls
Who doesn’t love tacos al pastor? Make this taqueria favorite at home, and skip the tortillas for easy serving. Start by popping a pork loin into your crockpot and pouring a jar of pineapple salsa over the top. When it’s cooked through and falling apart, serve over a bowl of rice with avocado, black beans, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro. Top with a few fried tortilla strips for crunch. Al pastor is a great way to celebrate eating and flavor. Making your own is that much better, so be sure to try it once you have an idea of what to do. Look up recipes online for guidance and direction.
Vegetarian Sloppy Joes
Make use of your summer garden’s bounty with a meatless take on the classic sandwich. Dice a block of firm tofu into small pieces along with whatever vegetables you like. Bell peppers, onions, and squash work great in this dish. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet and sauté all your ingredients. Add a can of tomato sauce and simmer. Serve on toasted Kaiser rolls with a side of tater tots or fried mushrooms. This is a delicious way to get more veggies in your diet, and albeit a very tasty one as well. Using Kaiser rolls will help make your homemade sandwiches look fancy and fresh for all who partake.
Lime Grilled Chicken
Summer means firing up the grill. If you’re tired of boring burgers, try tart and smoky lime grilled chicken. Throw any cuts of chicken you like on the grill, and baste with a mixture of lime juice, onion, dill, and olive oil. Serve over rice bowls, in a sandwich or next to classic summer sides like baked beans, corn on the cob, or potato salad. There is always a way to make your summer meals extra special for you and your family. Be creative and make sure to look up ideas that you may not have thought about just yet.
Pesto Pizza
Pizza is always a treat, but traditional pies can be too heavy in the heat. Lighten up pizza night with a pesto pizza featuring fresh garden herbs. Start with your favorite crust and a jar of pesto sauce. Spread the pesto on the pizza, and top it with a large amount of fresh mushrooms, oregano, basil, and parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven or on the grill until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is brown around the edges. This is sure to become a favorite of everyone at the table. Be sure to serve with beer and/ or lemonade.
If you don’t feel like cooking, don’t worry. You can whip up a summer feast without touching the stove. Slice up some garden vegetables and fruits to serve on a wooden board with cheese and crackers, set up a sandwich buffet or toss together a simple salad.
