What's in season and how shall I cook it?
Seasonal Produce
There’s one thing I never used to make the most of, and that was seasonal ingredients. Now, if I ever need inspiration, I just google what things are in season and go from there.
May is the month when seasonal produce gets fun and exciting with more colours being introduced - we are talking peas, beetroot, carrots, watermelon and strawberries coming into season, along with aubergines and asparagus.
Here are a few of my favourite recipes which will brighten up your table and excite your taste buds - all using seasonal ingredients. The beauty of using seasonal ingredients is that the flavours will be at their peak, meaning you don't need to add too much to them.
Stuffed Aubergines
The dreams of exploring little greek taverna this summer are sailing away with the boat I had pictured myself on. Therefore, my aim is to bring as much of that dream to reality by recreating my favourite dishes. Aubergines are so versatile and can lend themselves to so many different dishes and cuisines. From curries to bakes, to whole roasting and dips, the recipes are endless.
There’s something about aubergines that are so indulgent with their robust flavour and incredible velvety texture - yet also being absolutely amazing for you having a high fibre content, high in vitamin B and potassium.
This is a little slice of Greece on a plate- a stuffed aubergine, which is my take on a moussaka.
Roasted Asparagus with a Hazelnut Pesto on Sourdough
Asparagus comes into its prime in April and May with such vibrant colours and a fresh, crisp flavour to match. The colour varieties can really make such a beautiful dish - white, green and purple. Roasted, grilled, pan-fried or simply raw and shaved into a salad - it really lends itself to so many dishes.
This dish takes no time to put together and doesn't only taste amazing, but looks incredibly impressive too.
Crab Linguine
The UK crab season starts from April and lasts all the way through to November. Crab is such a beautiful, delicate ingredient and deserves to be served only in the best way - and tell me something better than pasta!
This is one of my favourite pasta dishes, it takes minutes to make and is so fresh and delicious. The perfect summer pasta dish!
Watermelon and Feta Salad
Tell me something more annoying than cutting into a watermelon and finding that it’s just not quite ready and not that full red vibrant colour! Well, you will no longer be disappointed as it’s watermelon season! Get ready for crisp, juice, bright red, full of flavour melons!
Simplicity is sometimes exactly what you need, and this dish is precisely that. The sweet, crisp watermelon works so well against the salty, creamy cheese, all lifted with the freshness of the mint and a crunch from the nuts.
The perfect accompaniment for any BBQ.
