What do you cook when it's too hot to turn on the oven (or even the stovetop)… but everyone still needs dinner?
When summer temperatures climb, even the simplest meal can feel like too much effort. If you've been relying on takeout, eating cereal for dinner, or are staring into the fridge hoping for inspiration, this episode is full of practical ideas for keeping your kitchen cool.
We're sharing our favorite no-cook and low-cook meals, make-ahead recipes, refreshing drinks, and easy summer desserts that make the most of the season without heating up the house.
By the end of this episode, you'll discover:
- A 5-minute meal built around a single package of tofu
- How a rotisserie chicken can become a picnic-friendly Vietnamese-inspired dinner
- Two noodle dishes that rely on quick, flavorful, no-cook sauces
Press play now and build a rotation of easy summer recipes you'll rely on that will keep you well-fed and out of a hot kitchen!
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Links:
Spicy cold silken tofu with soy and scallions from The Woks of Life
Salsa cruda di Pomodoro — pasta with raw summer tomato sauce — from Lidia Bastianich
Zucchini quesadillas by Smitten Kitchen, and a wonderful squash blossom quesadilla recipe can be found in theFrida’s Fiestsa’s (a Friday Khalo cookbook)
Rainbow veggie pinwheels by Dinner at the Zoo
BiBim Guksu (spicy mixed noodles) by Maangchi
Italian grinder bean salad by Alexis de Boschnek for The Kitchn, and Edi’s favoritesun-dried tomato dense bean salad
Summer tartines four ways from Serious Eats
Chicken banh mi by Recipe Tin Eats
Lemon possets by Toni Chapman for NYT Cooking
Homemade Gatorade by Lexi at Crowded Kitchen
Frozen coconut limeade by Smitten Kitchen
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Got a cooking question? Leave us a message on our hotline at: 323-452-9084
For more recipes and cooking inspiration, sign up for our Substack here.
Are you a local to Portland or planning a visit? You can now book a private farmers’ market tour with Sonya through Airbnb Experiences! Or order Sonya's cookbook Braids for more Food Friends recipes!
