Simple & Spectacular Recipes from the Garden
With the return of summer, gardens abound with sun-ripened fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Take advantage of this bounty in deliciously simple recipes that can be whipped up in about 10 minutes.
Salad for breakfast should be in everyone’s repertoire. I would suggest using this recipe more as a template and be inspired by what is in your garden and at the farmers’ market to customize this salad to what is fresh that day. Summertime tomatoes need little adornment, but I find this preparation makes them brunch worthy.
This dip can be whipped up in a flash and goes perfectly with any array of garden-fresh veggies available this time of year. Try experimenting by replacing some or all the basil with different herbs for a different, but equally delicious, flavour profile. Mint, oregano, or cilantro would all be delicious.
This recipe has an unexpected secret ingredient: cantaloupe. While it may seem a bit out of place among the vegetables, it adds a silkiness and sweetness that plays nicely with the corn and peppers. While I’ve kept the soup simple, feel free to go wild with the garnish. Some crab meat would be a luxurious addition, while some toasted almonds or pecans would give the soup some textural dimension.
This lovely open-faced sandwich is at once earthy, bright, briny, and fruity. Combining garden-fresh carrots and raspberries not only provides a great flavour profile but also delivers a good dose of anti-inflammatory properties. Also, feel free to play around with the herbs in this recipe. Be inspired by the soft herbs growing in your garden to make this recipe your own.
This simple dessert celebrates the glory that is the summer strawberry. Don’t feel you have to stick to strawberries here; swapping them for ripe peaches would also make for a stunning ending to any meal. What to gild the lily with? Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Roasted Cauliflower with Vinaigrette and Crispy Prosciutto
Enjoy the zippy tang of sherry vinegar, popular in Spanish cooking, and the briny taste of capers in this zesty take on roasted cauliflower. Serve as a tapas side or on a charcuterie board accompanied by a selection of Spanish meats, cheeses, and olives. The smaller, the better The smaller you cut garlic, the more oils you’ll release, providing additional flavour. Looking to achieve more subtle flavour? Slice your garlic rather than crushing it.
Broth and Wine-Braised Cannellini Beans
Braising these hearty beans not only changes their texture but leaves them creamy and satisfying. Using a savoury broth with saffron for braising provides the traditional Spanish flavour, similar to a paella. This dish is served as a shared side, but it could also be served with rice and vegetables as a delicious stand-alone dinner or as a satisfying nourish bowl. Swap your spirits Try substituting vermouth for white wine in this recipe, if you have some on hand. It’s a great alternative to wine and will last much longer in your cupboard. An added perk? You can save that nice wine for sipping.
Baked Prawns
With Spain’s expansive coastlines and multiple islands, seafood is a staple of the cuisine. This quick and easy prawn dish will add a pop of protein and a wonderful smokiness to your tapas-style lineup. Sustainable seafood When choosing prawns (or any seafood), opt for sustainable varieties that recognize and even reward sustainable fishing practices. As an important protein in many cultures, seafood, caught sustainably, helps contribute to healthy oceans < and > healthy communities.
