Summer is here and spending time in the kitchen in this hot, humid weather is getting tougher by the day. During summer, I really like having easy simple meals, with big portions of salad on the side. Today I am sharing my very quick recipes for two salads and a grilled dish, which you can whip up in less than 30 minutes. It's really refreshing in this hot weather and you don't have to spend hours in the kitchen. Hope you will enjoy them.
Glazed carrot salad
Ingredients:
1 medium sized carrot
1/2 avocado
1 small bunch of lettuce
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1 small cucumber
For the dressing:
1/2 tsp toasted poppy seeds
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the glaze:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
Black pepper, as needed
Directions:
Mix together the ingredients for the dressing and set aside.
To glaze the carrots, heat olive oil in a pan. Cut the carrots like thick French fries. Once the oil is hot, add the carrots. Cook for two minutes. Now add the sugar, salt and black pepper and cook until the sugar starts to caramelise.
Once it's slightly caramelised, add 1/4 cup water, then mix and cook the carrots until they are tender and the water has evaporated. Sprinkle paprika and take it off the heat and let it cool slightly.
Slice the other salad ingredients as you like.
To assemble, mix everything together and add the dressing. Toss it well and serve.
Note: You can make these salads without avocados too. You can use any available fruits or veggies you like.
Grilled shrimp and chicken
Grilled shrimp and chicken with salsa
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
1 chicken breast
1/4 tsp red chilli flakes
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp hot sauce, such as Tabasco or Sriracha
1 clove of garlic, minced
For the shrimp:
10 medium sized shrimps
1 tbsp minced cilantro root
2 tsp mixed dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, etc
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tbsp olive oil
Directions:
Mix the ingredients for the chicken and shrimp separately. Leave to marinate for 30 minutes.
Heat your griddle pan over high heat. Oil it lightly. Grill the chicken for five to six minutes and shrimp for four to five minutes until cooked through.
Mango Avocado salsa
Mango Avocado salsa
Ingredients:
1 avocado
1 ripe mango
1 small cucumber
2 tbsp minced red onion
2 green chillies, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
A handfull of cilantro leaves, chopped
Salt to taste
Directions:
Cut the cucumber, avocado and mango into small cubes.
Now mix everything together and serve with the grilled fish and chicken.
Grilled shrimp and chicken with salsa
Mango Avocado salsa