What to cook in August

I have to confess that summer is not my favorite season! I prefer spring and fall, as are the middle season when the air is fresher and the nature is changing. Spring brings all the flowers and greenery around us and the fall colors the nature with beautiful yellow, red and orange tones. But I have to admit that summer is the month of generosity: there are so many ingredients available to cook and bring to the table.

August especially is the richest as all the fruits and veggies are here for us to cook and enjoy them: what to cook in August is a triumph of the nature. Plump, ripe seasonal produce that just waits to be picked up and prepared!

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS POST

– What to cook in August is a list of fresh produce that is in season right now.

– Most of the recipes are made with simple ingredients and cooking methods.

– There are easy dinners, side dish and delicious recipes that are perfect for your meal plan and for the whole family.

EGGPLANTS

The eggplant season is here and is the best time of the year to prepare them! This farro salad is a nourishing combination of summer vegetables that is great for lunch or a pot luck! Why not making a classic Sicilian recipe such as Eggplant Parmigiana? The bonus of this recipe is that you can also freeze it for the winter months and it is just delicious!

PEPPERS

Peppers are in season and are very versatile! I recommend you to make these Red Pepper pesto, is great as a dip or to use in a pasta. Make roasted peppers and place them in a jar, they will last through the winter months!

SUMMER FRUITS

Summer brings the best of all fruits! Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, berries, melon. I love making this peach and nectarine jam, that is great for breakfast! And melon are delicious when grilled and combined in a pasta salad with crudo ham and gorgonzola cheese!

TOMATOES

I must confess that when it comes to tomatoes I am one of the pickiest person! Not sure it is an Italian thing, but they have to be firm, plump and with lots of meat! Make Panzanella, a refreshing tuscan salad that is delicious for lunch. Or use them to make a classic Italian bruschetta.

ZUCCHINI

Zucchini and Squash are in season! Raw, cooked or fried they are the most versatile vegetables out there! Make this zucchini salad, a raw and crunchy carpaccio that is zingy. Or sautee them with pine nuts and raisins for a tasty side dish.

As usual please find here the list of groceries that will help plan what to cook in August! I hope you find this useful and I will be very grateful for any comments you might leave below!