Summer Recipes with Fresh Stocks

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:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Toss the zucchinis, squashes, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the vegetables until they are tender and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4. In a large pot, heat a bit of olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
5. Add the grilled vegetables, tomatoes, and vegetable stock to the pot.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
8. 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:

1. In a large bowl, mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken cubes and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked wooden skewers.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
5. Grill the skewers for about 5-7 minutes per side, basting with chicken stock to keep them moist.
6. 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:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mix evenly over the ribs.
4. Place the ribs in a large baking dish, add the beef stock, and cover tightly with foil.
5. Bake for 2.5-3 hours, until the ribs are tender.
6. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
7. Remove the ribs from the baking dish and brush with BBQ sauce.
8. Grill the ribs for 5-7 minutes per side, basting with more BBQ sauce.
9. 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:

1. In a saucepan, heat the vegetable stock and keep it warm.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
3. Add the Arborio rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes.
4. Gradually add the warm vegetable stock, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until the stock is absorbed before adding more.
5. After about 15 minutes, add the fresh corn and continue to cook until the rice is creamy and tender.
6. Stir in the cherry tomatoes, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
7. 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!