Summer is here, and what better way to welcome the season than by enjoying fresh and healthy recipes that are bursting with flavour? It is the perfect time to experiment with new recipes and ingredients. The seasonal fruits and veggies can help make a versatile menu that you are sure to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a light and refreshing salad or a satisfying main course, there are plenty of options to choose from. Voltas Beko brings you some of the best delicious and healthy recipes that will help you savour the flavours of summer.
1. Frozen Yogurt Bar- This easy-to-make snack is a healthy alternative to ice cream. Simply mix Greek yogurt with your favourite fruit, nuts, and granola, then freeze and enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup honey/maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Lemon zest from one lemon
- 1/4 cup assorted toppings such as fresh fruits, strawberries, chopped nuts, chocolate chips or blueberries
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey/maple syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a 9x9 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle your desired toppings over the yogurt mixture, pressing them down gently with a spoon.
- Cover the dish with a plastic wrap and freeze it for at least 4 hours in Voltas Beko refrigerator that has NeoFrost™ Dual Cooling technology that keeps the natural goodness of the food intact.
- Once the frozen yogurt is set, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.
- Cut the frozen yogurt into bars and enjoy!
- Note: You can also experiment with different flavors of yogurt and toppings to create your own unique variations of this recipe.
2. Mango Salsa- Add a tropical twist to your tacos or chips with this sweet and tangy salsa. Mix diced mangoes, red onion, jalapeño and cilantro with lime juice and spices for a delicious and colorful snack.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced mangoes, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño pepper, and cilantro.
- Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Give the salsa a quick stir before serving.
- Mango Salsa can be served as a dip with tortilla chips, or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. It's a sweet and spicy addition to any meal.
3. Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad- Celebrate summer with pasta and add a wide variety of fresh summer vegetables. It is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. (340 gm) rotini pasta
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 small yellow squash, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
- Boil the pasta in Voltas Beko microwave, with feather touch digital display feature that helps you keep an eye on your food.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced zucchini and yellow squash, diced red onion, diced red bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Add the chopped basil and parsley and toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Give the pasta salad a quick stir before serving.
4. Iced Matcha Latte- This recipe is a great way to enjoy a refreshing and energizing drink on a hot summer day.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 2 tsp hot water
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1-2 tsp honey or other sweetener (optional)
- A few ice cubes
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together the matcha powder and hot water until the matcha is fully dissolved.
- In a separate glass, add ice cubes and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat until it is warm but not boiling.
- Pour the warm milk into the glass with the ice cubes refrigerated in Voltas Beko refrigerator equipped with FreshGuard™ feature to enable natural and healthy smell.
- Add the dissolved matcha to the glass and stir well to combine.
- Add honey or another sweetener to taste, if desired.
- Stir again until the sweetener is fully dissolved.
- Enjoy your Iced Matcha Latte immediately.
- Note: You can adjust the amount of matcha powder and sweetener according to your preference