With the arrival of June, summer slowly begins to wrap its warm arms around us. It is a time of abundant vegetables, juicy fruits and the promise of long, balmy evenings. It is also a time when nature reveals its riches in the form of fresh ingredients that cry out for creative use in the kitchen. Let’s discover the flavour of June together with these five delicious ideas perfect for the month of June!
Grilled vegetable salad with fresh herbs
June is the month when the vegetable garden explodes with colour and flavour. Make the most of this freshness by making a grilled vegetable salad. Slice courgette, pepper, aubergine and red onion, drizzle with olive oil and grill until nicely seared. Then mix them with fresh herbs such as basil, mint and parsley. Add a dash of balsamic vinegar and you have a colourful dish that goes perfectly with grilled meat or fish.
Strawberry caprese with balsamic glaze
June is also the time when strawberries reach their sweet, juicy peak. Why not give a classic caprese salad a summer twist by replacing tomatoes with slices of fresh strawberries? Place slices of mozzarella and strawberries alternately on a plate, drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with basil leaves and a pinch of black pepper. This refreshing appetiser is a feast for the eyes and taste buds.
Rolls of grilled courgette with goat cheese and honey
Courgettes are abundantly available in June and lend themselves perfectly to a light and tasty dish. Cut courgettes into long slices, grill them briefly until soft and let them cool. Then spread out each slice and spread with soft goat cheese, roll into rolls and drizzle a little honey on top. Serve as an elegant starter or as a side dish to the main meal.
Extra: refreshing cucumber lemonade with mint
When the sun is high in the sky and temperatures are rising, there is nothing more refreshing than a cool drink to quench your thirst. There is an abundance of fresh ingredients available in June, and one of the most refreshing drinks you can make is cucumber lemonade with a touch of mint. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup honey or sugar syrup (to taste)
- Ice
- Lemon slices and mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
- Put the cucumber slices and mint leaves in a blender or food processor. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Puree the mixture until smooth.
- Pour the cucumber-mint mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove the pulp and obtain a clear liquid.
- Mix the honey or sugar syrup into the cucumber-mint juice, to taste. Add more if needed.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the cucumber lemonade on top.
- Garnish each glass with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint for a refreshing and festive touch.
This cucumber lemonade is not only deliciously refreshing, but also healthy and hydrating. It is the perfect drink to enjoy during a hot June day, whether on a picnic in the park, at the beach or just at home in the garden. With these delicious ideas for June, you will enjoy the sunny month to the fullest. Cheers to the taste of June!