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The summer heat makes our appetite decrease and we opt for refreshing recipes to resist the high temperatures. Although they also say that heat is fought with more heat and sometimes it is preferable to eat hot food to have less heat sensation. Be that as it may, we have selected some of the most emblematic dishes from different countries around the world that are typical of summer. As it could not be otherwise, we start with the cold soup par excellence in our country: gazpacho.
Gazpacho (Spain)
Gazpacho is undoubtedly one of the star dishes of Andalusian and Spanish gastronomy in general, and of summer in particular. It is a cold tomato soup, which also contains green bell pepper, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, bread and sherry vinegar. Although there are other equally refreshing variants such as Berasategui’s strawberry gazpacho, melon or watermelon gazpacho, among others.
Caprese Salad (Italy)
It is a super simple recipe but at the same time very refreshing and light, ideal for the summer season. The Caprese salad is made with sliced tomato, mozzarella, fresh basil leaves and a good splash of olive oil along with a few drops of Modena vinegar, seasoned to taste. Undoubtedly, a winning dish for this summer.
Tzatziki (Greece)
Although it is more of an appetizer or sauce, Tzatziki is ideal for summer. In general, Greek cuisine is characterized by that refreshing touch and this dish is a clear example. All you need is Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon, olive oil, pepper and mint.
Salade niçoise (France)
This typical salad from Nice is one of the culinary stars of the summer. It is made with fresh vegetables such as tomato, bell pepper, onion, garlic, artichoke, among others; and also hard-boiled egg, black olives, anchovies or tuna. All of it drizzled with olive oil.
Aguachile (Mexico)
It is very similar to Peruvian ceviche, so it will be refreshing for sure. Mexican aguachile (a recipe Rosalía loves, by the way) is a recipe originating from the Sinaloa region in the north of the country and is prepared with shrimp, lime juice with serrano chile, salt and pepper to taste, and garnished with red onion and cucumber.
Halo-Halo (Philippines)
If we travel to the Philippines, we can opt for a dessert made from evaporated milk, shaved ice, fruits and cooked sweet beans. This kind of slushy milkshake is very popular in the country and tasting it is an explosion of flavors, textures and colors.
Ceviche (Peru)
It is an emblem of Peruvian gastronomy and in summer it is a must. This traditional recipe is prepared with fresh raw fish (sea bass, for example) that is marinated with lemons, onions, hot peppers, fresh cilantro or corn. Of course, don’t forget to serve it with the iconic tiger’s milk.
Chlodnik (Poland)
We could say that it is a kind of beet gazpacho typical of Poland and other countries such as Lithuania or Belarus. This cold cream is made, in addition to beet, with other ingredients such as Greek yogurt, sour cream or kefir, cucumbers, radishes and dill. Hard-boiled eggs are often added. Its pink color could well pass for one of Barbie’s favorite recipes.
Meggyleves (Hungary)
We continue with the pink recipes to try this traditional Hungarian snack or dessert. This cold soup is made with cherries, cream or yogurt and sugar. In Hungary it is very typical to be served as an appetizer or starter, especially in hot seasons.
Samgyetang (South Korea)
It is one of the few hot recipes that we have included in this list. In Korea there is a saying that goes something like “heat is fought with heat”. That is why, on the hottest days, it is common for long lines to form in places where Samgyetang is served. This dish usually contains chicken, ginseng, glutinous rice, jujube, ginger, garlic and herbs.
Hiyashi chūka (Japan)
This is a cold ramen dish ideal for summer. In addition to noodles, it is usually accompanied with boiled ham, chicken or pork, as well as egg, cucumber, tomato, bamboo shoots or ginger, among others. And it is usually dipped in soy sauce, mayonnaise, rice vinegar and sesame oil.
Som tam (Laos and Thailand)
Another traditional salad from regions such as Laos or northeastern Thailand. The Som tam recipe is mainly made with papaya (usually unripe) and also contains other ingredients such as chili, garlic, tomato. It can be dressed with fish sauce and served with chicken.