10x the tastiest summer dishes to make right away
If you’ve been very adventurous lately, you may have cautiously crossed the border. But the fact remains that most of us simply enjoyed our holidays in our own country, rediscovering how beautiful the Netherlands is. But in our imagination—and in the kitchen—we could of course always travel around the world!
Take inspiration from these amazing recipes: put on some great music, get a few pans on the stove or turn on the oven, fire up your BBQ, and imagine yourself abroad with these top summer recipes.
Caribbean paella
Spain isn’t the only place where it’s all olé—paella is also made incredibly well in Curaçao! With the kick of jalapeños and the savory flavor of goat sausage. But if you can’t find that, chorizo is absolutely fine too. It’ll be summery and spicy either way!
Fried ravioli
Ravioli is already amazing in itself (homemade or picked up from your favorite caterer), but you know what the superlative of almost everything is, right? FRIED. Come. On. With a whole lot of Parmesan on top, please and thank you.
Fried chicken tatsuta
Let’s stay with the frying theme for a little longer, with the bar snack that has the potential to make a bitterballen pale in comparison. Chicken tatsuta, Japanese for “oh my God, I’m going to eat this entire platter with my beer, so order your own portion.” No, that’s not what it means. But it actually is.
Bara (by Soenil Bahadoer)
To be honest, the only twist to this bara is that it’s a recipe from a Michelin-starred chef. But if a Michelin-starred chef says this is the best bara, we believe said chef. The recipe actually comes from Soenil’s mother, by the way—but we also believe the woman who gave birth to a Michelin-starred chef. And yes! Fried…
Barbecued brie
We’re continuing undeterred in our consumer-driven support for cheesemakers throughout Europe! Give us your cheeses and we will (buy and) eat them. French, Dutch or English cheeses daily with drinks (and a sausage here and there), because summerbody = cheesebody. And now that we’re in a summer mood and the barbecue is lit: here we go! Onto the BBQ! Dip the crust of your baguette into that soft, melting cheese, with a fine bottle of rosé alongside it: divine.
Oven-roasted potatoes with Marmite
Yesss, that’s an exciting one, isn’t it! We’re imagining ourselves in England or Australia, where they happily eat porridge (or hummus) made with Marmite. Oven potatoes are indispensable alongside, for example, a delicious whole chicken, but they’re also great with vegetarian dishes such as melanzane alla parmigiana. Next time, try tossing your potatoes with a spoonful of Marmite; it gives them a delicious umami bite!
Boozy French toast
French toast, or wentelteefjes as we call them in Dutch, is already the ultimate comfort brunch dish. But imagine if it also had the exciting twist of a splash of booze running through it; then your boozy weekend fun brunch is a fact!
Eggplant shakshuka
As an editorial team, we’re collectively crazy about shakshuka, and the tomato base of this dish always invites variation. I like it with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce stirred through it, or with preserved (salted) lemon. Something for every lover; Steffi, for instance, is a hardcore eggplant fan. This Middle Eastern classic is her version, with the eggplant in a starring role.
Jackfruit gyros
Gyros, another hit! Or its döner or shawarma relatives; all good as far as we’re concerned. Do take the time to find out where you can get truly delicious ones near you, because when you find a good place, this popular snack is prepared carefully and with attention. But are you vegan, and do you therefore think your döner/gyros days are over? Wrong! Just get to work yourself and make this jackfruit-based version. Or hurry to the vegan snack bar!
Balinese porchetta
If you think porchetta can only properly be made the Italian way, with fennel seeds, rosemary and sage: think again! It’s essentially pork belly with the skin on, and when we mention bumbu and rice, doesn’t that immediately transport you to Asia? This isn’t your average babi pangang recipe (also delicious), but with a little work you’ll soon have a true centerpiece on the table. Selamat makan!
Read also:
- If you go on vacation to eat; the struggle is real
- Hotspot: SAGARDI is even tastier than your Spanish holiday romance (and completely corona-proof)
- Europe’s most notorious dishes to avoid during your vacation
photo: Delish
