What to cook in August? 10 easy, seasonal recipes
August is the fullest summer month: the sun shines high, the days are long, and nature gives us an extraordinary variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, colorful, rich in flavor, and perfect for fresh, light cooking. Taking advantage of the month's ingredients is not only a healthy and sustainable choice, but also a winning strategy for bringing more delicious and nutritious dishes to the table.
In this article you will discover what ingredients are in season in August and how to use them creatively with easy, quick and tasty recipes that are ideal for facing the heat with pleasure and health.
1. Melon
Cantaloupe melon is about 90 percent water, making it an excellent ally against dehydration. It contains beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, which protects the skin and promotes a tan.
For hot days, a refreshing salad is perfect. This time, we spotlight the cantaloupe, but you can use any fruit you like. Serve it in the cantaloupe for a more original touch :)
2. Peppers
Peppers, whether red, yellow or green, are among the most beloved vegetables of summer. Rich in vitamin C (more than citrus fruits!), fiber and antioxidants, they help boost the immune system and fight cell aging. The red variety is sweeter, the green variety more herbaceous, and the yellow variety more delicate.
Very easy to prepare, quick and economical, this recipe for air-fried roasted peppers is sure to become a summertime staple :-) The advantage of this recipe is that it can be used in a variety of ways: as a topping for bruschetta , to spice up a...
3. Watermelon
Watermelon is the iconic fruit of summer. Made up of more than 95 percent water, it is ideal for refreshing the body on muggy days. It is a natural source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from sun damage and supports the cardiovascular system. It has very few calories and high satiating power.
A sweet pizza, how about that? No need for dough, just a slice of watermelon will do ;-) Easy, quick, and no baking required, this will be the ideal vegan and gluten-free dessert to cool off during summer afternoons! Have fun decorating it with your...
4. Cucumber
Cucumber is a highly moisturizing vegetable, with very few calories and high potassium, silicon and vitamin K content. Great for skin health and against water retention, it is perfect raw, but also marinated.
For a refreshing summer touch, try this beautiful tart with ricotta, cucumber and smoked salmon ! It's the perfect combo for sunny days: the sweetness of ricotta, the freshness of cucumber and the delicate flavor of smoked salmon come together...
5. Peaches
Peaches are rich in vitamin C, potassium, fiber and phenolic compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. They are refreshing, juicy and very digestible. There are several varieties (yellow, white, nectarines), all of which are excellent both raw and cooked or grilled.
We love to put fruits in a salad, try our recipe and enjoy ! Arugula and roasted peaches are the best combo ever ♥ Just add a burrata on top and you'll have the tastiest salad !
6. Zucchini
Zucchini are the summer vegetable par excellence: light, digestible and suitable for all types of cooking. Rich in water, potassium and vitamin B9, they promote diuresis and help purify the body.
Discover a super refreshing summer recipe: raw marinated zucchini ! They will be absolutely perfect as a starter, as a side dish or even to garnish your toast or your sandwiches for example. To prepare this fresh and delicious dish, use a vegetable...
7. Figs
Figs are little treasure chests of sweetness and nutrients. They provide natural energy, fiber, calcium and minerals. They have digestive properties and help regularize the intestines. Their intense flavor makes them perfect for sweet-savory contrasts.
The fig season is well and truly underway , and since it is short we are determined to take advantage of it! These little fruits can be used in endless variations : in a salad , in a tart or roasted , as an appetizer, this soft and sweet fruit...
8. Eggplant
Eggplants contain nasunin, a powerful antioxidant found in the dark skin, which helps protect brain cells. They are very versatile, but should always be cooked. They lend themselves to traditional dishes (parmigiana, caponata) and modern, light solutions.
Let's travel straight to Catania in Sicily , where the delicate notes of grilled eggplant , juicy tomatoes and melting ricotta combine to create an easy and inexpensive summertime pasta dish! This recipe for " Pasta alla Norma " is both easy to...
9. Plums
Plums (or prunes) are juicy and refreshing fruits that are ideal against constipation due to their fiber and sorbitol content. They contain vitamins A, B, C and antioxidants useful for general well-being. The skin is rich in anthocyanins, which are excellent for microcirculation and skin.
In summer, we enjoy this small, sweet yellow fruit known as the mirabelle! Here, for dessert, we decided to make an extra moist cake that is also very easy to prepare. With the combination of mirabelles and almonds, all beautifully caramelized and...
10. Arugula
Arugula is a leafy vegetable with an intense and spicy flavor. It contains glucosinolates, which support liver detoxification, as well as vitamin C and folic acid. It is excellent raw, in pesto, or to liven up salads.
The first time I tried this cold pasta with arugula pesto, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella was during an impromptu lunch with friends in the middle of summer. Few ingredients , no desire to cook and the need for something fresh and tasty : the...
Daniele Mainieri
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