It's summer, and there's a good chance that you'll be coming home from work, exhausted from your day and the heat wave. But that's not a reason to stay out of the kitchen!
If you have 30 minutes or so, you'll be able to whip up some super easy, comforting summer recipes that'll make you forget about the heat.
1. Orange Chicken
Sometimes you need a good ol' comfort food to revitalize you from the summer heat. The best part? It's super easy to make, and you don't need to use your oven!
If you want to round out your meal, you can add pineapple chunks, kale or similar greens, or cauliflower – either saute it or treat it exactly like the chicken – battered and fried. Want a healthier sauteed version that has all the deliciousness of the original stuff? Skip the batter and use this recipe.
2. Fig and Blue Cheese Tart with Honey, Balsamic and Rosemary
It's way too hot for the oven! Make small versions of these guys in the toaster oven, or grill them – the best part is that you'll get a sublime flavor kick. Use this guide to avoid disaster when grilling tarts and pizzas.
3. Sake-Steamed Mandarin Fish
This white fish recipe is delicious, easy and summery, complete with refreshing tangerines. No oven needed – you can either cook in a dedicated steamer or throw it with some veggies in a steamer rack at the top of your rice cooker for a few minutes for a one-pot meal. If you don't have a steamer, you can also wrap it in foil and grill it like so.
4. Pork Chops with Peaches and Walnuts
Cook in a cast iron skillet (or a regular skillet if you don't have it) for a super easy 20-minute dish. You can also make this with chicken thighs or breasts – adjust the cooking time as needed to make sure it cooks all the way through.
5. Raw Mango Curry
Spiced mango curry is totally delicious and would make for a refreshing and light meal or side, served with rice and roti (Indian flatbread) or over coconut rice as a tasty dessert.