Summer is almost here, and with it comes an abundance of fresh summer produce and outdoor celebrations. Whether you're planning a casual family dinner or a festive 4th of July barbecue, incorporating fresh stocks into your recipes can elevate the flavors of your dishes. Our stocks, made from the finest ingredients, provide a rich base that enhances the natural taste of seasonal vegetables and meats. Here are some delicious summer recipes that will make your meals memorable.
Grilled Summer Vegetable Soup
Ingredients:
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 2 yellow squashes, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Toss the zucchinis, squashes, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the vegetables until they are tender and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- In a large pot, heat a bit of olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
- Add the grilled vegetables, tomatoes, and vegetable stock to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked wooden skewers.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the skewers for about 5-7 minutes per side, basting with chicken stock to keep them moist.
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
4th of July Smoky BBQ Ribs
Ingredients:
- 4 cups beef stock
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the spice mix evenly over the ribs.
- Place the ribs in a large baking dish, add the beef stock, and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 2.5-3 hours, until the ribs are tender.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the ribs from the baking dish and brush with BBQ sauce.
- Grill the ribs for 5-7 minutes per side, basting with more BBQ sauce.
- Serve hot with coleslaw and corn on the cob.
Fresh Corn and Tomato Risotto
Ingredients:
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1.5 cups Arborio rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, heat the vegetable stock and keep it warm.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the warm vegetable stock, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until the stock is absorbed before adding more.
- After about 15 minutes, add the fresh corn and continue to cook until the rice is creamy and tender.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Using fresh stocks in these summer recipes enhances the flavors of the ingredients, making each dish rich and satisfying. Whether you're preparing a simple weeknight dinner or a special holiday meal, our stocks are the perfect way to bring out the best in your cooking. Enjoy these recipes and have a flavorful summer!