Shilpa Uskokovic, a senior test kitchen editor, joins host Chris Morocco to dive into the world of summer cooking. They discuss the overrated and under-celebrated produce of the season, sharing humorous takes on cucumbers and zucchini. Listeners learn about inventive dishes like a chicken and basil stir fry and the surprising 'iced onion sandwich.' The duo also tackles questions about using jaggery in recipes, offers tips for juicy chicken marinades, and emphasizes the joy of experimenting with flavors and textures in summer meals.
Emphasizing simplicity in summer cooking allows for delicious meals using fresh, seasonal produce with minimal preparation and creativity.
Grilling serves as an ideal method for summer cooking, enhancing flavors while encouraging the use of diverse vegetables and inventive techniques.
Deep dives
The Joys of Summer Cooking
Summer cooking allows for simplicity and fresh ingredients, highlighting the abundance of seasonal produce. Using raw vegetables from the farmers market, meals can be based on minimal preparation, focusing on quality over complexity. Grilling is also emphasized as a practical method for cooking during the heat, allowing for easy yet flavorful dishes. The discussion includes how summer inspires creativity in the kitchen while enjoying lighter, fresher flavors.
Utilizing Seasonal Ingredients
Listeners are encouraged to explore diverse vegetable varieties available during summer, such as different types of cucumbers and peppers. These options not only add vibrant colors to dishes but also elevate presentation and taste when served on platters. A focus on less common choices such as young onions and creative uses for zucchini is highlighted, suggesting ways to incorporate these ingredients into meals for added excitement. The potential of summer produce invites experimentation with flavors and textures.
Creative Solutions for Cooking Challenges
Listeners submit questions about maximizing their summer vegetable supply and finding new recipe ideas to avoid monotony in meals. Suggestions include utilizing flavorful sauces to enhance grilled vegetables and incorporating cold pickling techniques for added taste. Additionally, alternatives to traditional recipes, such as brining chicken without dairy, spark discussions about inventive substitutes that maintain the essence of beloved dishes. The interactive approach highlights the importance of adaptability within home cooking, especially during the summer months.
If you like our food episodes, you may also like the Dinner SOS podcast from Bon Appétit. Host Chris Morocco is joined by senior test kitchen editor Shilpa Uskokovic, and the two share their hot takes on cooking in the heat (AC required, obviously) – plus what produce is overrated and what's under-celebrated. They also answer listener questions about using CSA produce, grilling, jaggery and non-dairy options for tender, juicy chicken marinades. You can find Dinner Sos wherever you get your podcasts.
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