As summer is approaching many people are looking for easy meal ideas. There is nothing worse than standing over a hot stove in the summer heat so let’s review some quick vegetarian meal ideas sure to cool the palate.
The first recipe is grilled ratatouille with goats cheese. For this recipe you will need two medium courgettes, a large red onion, large yellow pepper, large aubergine, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a handful crumbled goat cheese, some basil leaves and salt and pepper for taste. Start by preheating your grill to medium heat and place all of the vegetables on a baking sheet and drizzle with half of the olive oil. Cook until they are just slightly burnt, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once cooked, drizzle the vegetables with remaining olive oil, add the goats cheese and basil.
Next up is fried chickpeas. Sounds a bit suspect but it’s a lovely, simple meal and can be done in a flash. You will need one can of chickpeas, 3 tbp of olive oil and some salt to taste. Pour the olive oil into a skillet and heat. Drain the oil from the chickpeas and pour peas into the pan. Cook until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess oil and enjoy with a large green salad and some crusty bread (and some white wine or a big glass of Pimms).
Lastly, South West bean salad which can be thrown together in a matter of minutes. Buy a bag of frozen vegetable mix from your local grocery store, particularly the ones with a good mix of peppers, sweetcorn and courgette. Thaw the vegetables under cool water. Add any salsa you have along with cottage cheese and perhaps some kidney beans.
No matter what meal you eat this summer, make it easy. Summer is about having fun in the sun and not slaving over a hot stove!!
