In the culinary world, summer is a season of vibrant flavours and fresh produce. As a chef, this is the perfect time to refresh your menu with ingredients that are at their peak, offering dishes that are light, fresh, and bursting with flavour.
Why Seasonal?
Cooking with seasonal ingredients during summer means taking advantage of the freshest fruits and vegetables available. These ingredients are not only more flavorful and nutritious but also often more affordable and environmentally friendly due to reduced transportation needs.
Sourcing Locally
Developing relationships with local growers and suppliers is vital. Summer is an abundant season, and local markets are brimming with fresh produce. By sourcing locally, you support the community and reduce your carbon footprint.
Creating Your Seasonal Dish
Let’s craft a dish that captures the essence of summer — a Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad with a Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette. This dish combines the sweetness of peaches with the peppery taste of arugula, dressed in a light vinaigrette perfect for a summer day.
Ingredients:
– 4 fresh peaches, sliced and pitted
– 150g arugula
– 100g goat cheese, crumbled
– 50g toasted pine nuts
– Extra virgin olive oil
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the peach slices with olive oil and grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, just until grill marks appear.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, honey, a splash of olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
3. Toss the arugula in a large bowl with most of the vinaigrette. Arrange the grilled peaches on top, then sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese and toasted pine nuts.
4. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the salad and serve immediately.
The Professional Touch
In a restaurant setting, presentation is key. Arrange this salad in a way that showcases the vibrant colours of the ingredients. Also, be adaptable – summer offers a variety of fruits and vegetables, so feel free to experiment with different combinations.
