It’s hot and no one wants to spend hours in the kitchen with a hot oven on, least of all me, and I’m in my element when I’m in the kitchen. Keep your fruit and veg intake high by creating dishes that are not only refreshing, but that don’t take long to make, meaning less heat time.
Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Combine locally grown tomatoes with fresh cucumbers, a drizzle of olive oil, a drop of fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt. Add in some fresh basil leaves and ġbejna for the finishing touches for a refreshing salad with a local touch.
Chilled Melon and Mint Soup
You don’t have to wait for the colder months to enjoy soup. Grab a melon or a watermelon and blend it with a handful of fresh mint leaves and a splash of lime juice. Chill in the fridge for a few hours and you’ve got yourself a refreshing summer soup.
Caponata
A traditional Maltese dish that is great on its own or slapped on top of some toasted bread. You can buy this in cans, but I recommend making it yourself for a fresher flavour. All you need to do is saute diced aubergines, bell peppers, tomates, onions, and olives in olive oil, and you’re good to go.
Fig and Arugula Salad
Combine the sweet flavour of figs to the peppery arugula for the base of this summer salad. Add goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and a simple balsamic vinegar dressing. You can make this as a light lunch or a starter before a main meal. It also goes great as a BBQ side.
Zucchini Noodles with Fresh Pesto
Whip out the spiralizer and make zucchini noodles for a lighter option to pasta (and cooler as there’s no cooking required!). Grab a blender and make a pesto sauce using fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese. Mix the noodles through and you’ve got a healthy meal packed with flavour.