What To Do When it is Too Hot to Cook.

by katerina on August 20, 2010

Anyone else looking to beat the heat of summer and lacking inspiration in the kitchen? Here are some ideas to cook yourself through the heatwaves.

1. Go Raw

Try creating a simple raw meal, salad, or dessert. Raw food is on the forefront of foodie discussions these days and if you haven’t at least tried it, what better time could there be? Many raw recipes are high in nuts and therefore fat which some people have trouble digesting. Try balancing the heavier raw foods with a light raw salad or smoothie. Need ideas? Try raw banana ice cream, raw donut holes, raw broccoli salad, massaged kale salad, or of course a smoothie.

2. Slow Cook your Dinner

Although frequently associated with winter stews the slow cooker is great in the summer as well. There is no need to hover near a hot stove or oven, plus all the preparation can happen in the morning, the coolest part of the day. Try Ribs or pulled pork and it will feel seasonal!

3. Make a Summer Salad
The easiest and most natural thing to eat when it is hot is a cool and refreshing salad. Try using some of the vegetables and fruit that are currently in season, either in the salad itself or in the dressing. Get creative and challenge yourself with new salad recipes! Why not try grilling fruit? Check out the salad recipes for some ideas.

Do you have any other great recipes or foods perfect for a hot summer day?



{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

judy August 20, 2010 at 10:10 am

The other night, I also made some ceviche for dinner. No heat sources required!

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katerina August 20, 2010 at 10:16 am

Great idea, and something I have been meaning to make at home!

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Karyn August 20, 2010 at 11:46 am

great tips/ideas! when it’s too hot to cook though i just go with cereal. i’m not as cool as you :)

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Belinda @zomppa August 20, 2010 at 2:23 pm

How about all three at once? You forgot the ice cream!

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@wokstar August 20, 2010 at 5:42 pm

I’ve made gazpacho and quick stir frys. They don’t heat up the kitchen.

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nina August 20, 2010 at 11:10 pm

At the moment it is very cold here, but I will bookmark this page. lots of lovely ideas for summer, thx!

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Anniegi August 21, 2010 at 5:21 am

Salads, usually with leftover chicken and the best part at this time of year is the garden tomatoes & cucumbers. Sometimes I just add feta to the tomatoes & cucumbers and I think at the moment, short of ice cream that might be my favorite hot weather “recipe” My kitchen is very small and gets HOT regardless of the season. what is ceviche?

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