Simplifying Summer Meals

Posted on July 20, 2011 by LJ Earnest
Categories: Simplification

Wednesdays are simplicity days at SimpleProductivity blog.

Ah, the lazy days of summer. The warmth, the sunshine, the fresh produce. And if you are in charge of preparing meals in your household, it can also mean the unwelcome heat and steam of the kitchen.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my casseroles, hot dishes and baked goods. But during the summer, I want lighter food that won’t heat up the house. Here is how I simplify summer meals:

Salads

Fresh greens can be the basis for so many cold yet satisfying dishes! Top a bed of lettuce with taco-seasoned meat, add some tomatoes and cheese, and you have a taco salad. Put three bean or potato salad on top of greens for a filling use of what is normally sides. Throw leftover chicken on top of greens with veggies and have a satisfying pseudo-Caesar.

Greens are the best when fresh, and if you have a spare planter, stick some seeds in there. As long as you keep it watered, the lettuces shouldn’t bolt (go to seed) too quickly.

Salads don’t have to be greens-based, though. I sometimes slice up cucumber, dress them with vinegar and onion, and serve it with cheese for a light lunch.

The Grill

I love our grill. It is extremely easy to walk out the back door and throw meat and veggies right on the grate and have a great tasting meal quickly. We grill many things in the summer, including not only meats, but things like cauliflower, potatoes and pizza.

To grill cauliflower, slice the head into 1/2″ slices, put some olive oil on both sides and grill, turning once or twice. It’s done when it’s a little charred.

I also love making veggie and potato packets. You start with a sheet of aluminum foil, drop sliced veggies, a couple dollops of butter and salt and pepper, then crimp the edges. This takes about 20 minutes to cook, and the veggies are wonderful.

Pizza is ridiculously easy to make. You put the rolled out uncooked dough on the grill, and when it slides easily, take it off and flip it over onto a plate. Put on your toppings and put it back on the grill. Very quick and flavorful.

What sort of things do you do to cut down on the summer heat in the kitchen? Share below.

Photo by WordRidden