Summer vacations bring the excitement of having one’s children at home, making for a far more energetic household. As a parent, it's essential to optimise your cooking routine during this time to ensure delicious, nutritious meals — while reducing time spent in the kitchen (especially in this sweltering heat). Here are a few tips and strategies to help you make the most of your cooking during the summer vacations.
Plan Ahead with a Weekly Meal Schedule
Creating a weekly meal schedule in advance is crucial during summer vacations. Sit down with your family and plan a variety of dishes that consider everyone’s preferences and dietary needs. This proactive approach will help streamline your grocery shopping and ensure you have all the necessary ingredients, saving you time — and stress!
Embrace Seasonal and Fresh Ingredients
Take advantage of the abundance of seasonal and fresh ingredients available during the summer. Incorporate vibrant and colourful fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, berries, and cucumbers into your meals. This not only adds nutritional value but also enhances the taste and visual appeal of your dishes.
Involve Your Kids in Meal Preparation
Engage your kids in the kitchen and make meal preparation a fun family activity. Assign age-appropriate tasks such as washing vegetables, mixing ingredients, or setting the table. Involving children not only teaches them valuable cooking skills but also encourages a positive relationship with food and healthy eating habits.
Quick and Easy Recipes for Busy Days
With the kids are at home, time may be limited. Opt for quick and easy recipes that require minimal preparation and cooking time. Explore one-pot meals such as pasta, instant pot chicken, or stir-fries of fresh vegetables that deliver flavourful and satisfying meals without draining your time and energy.
Try No-Cook or Minimal-Cook Recipes
Beat the heat by incorporating no-cook or minimal-cook recipes into your meal plan. Consider options like refreshing salads, chilled soups, cold pasta salads, lemon rice, dosa or sandwiches made with pre-cooked ingredients. These recipes require minimal time near the stove and keep your kitchen cool while still delivering nutritious, tasty meals.
Make Use of Pre-Cut and Pre-Packaged Ingredients
Take advantage of pre-cut and pre-packaged ingredients. Use pre-washed salad greens, pre-cut vegetables, or pre-marinated meats to minimise prep. While fresh ingredients are always preferred, utilising these convenient options can be helpful during busy summer days.
Embrace Cooling Drinks and Beverages
Beat the heat with traditional Indian cooling drinks and beverages. Prepare refreshing options like homemade buttermilk (chaas), mango lassi, sweet lime soda (nimbu pani) or rose sherbet (gulab sharbat). These drinks help keep you hydrated and provide relief from the scorching summer sun.
Focus on Light and Spiced Salads
Incorporate light and spiced salads into your meals. Indian-style salads like kachumber salad or sprout chaat offer a burst of flavours and cooling properties. Add chaat masala or lemon juice for an extra zing.
Explore Yoghurt-Based Dishes
Yoghurt-based dishes are a staple in Indian cuisine, especially during summers. Prepare dishes like raita, dahi vada, or kadhi. These dishes are cooling, nutritious, and add a refreshing element to your meals.
Opt for Light and Quick Curries
Choose light and quick curries that don't require prolonged cooking. Opt for dishes like aloo tamatar sabzi, bhindi masala, or palak paneer. These curries are easy to prepare, full of flavour, and pair well with both chapatis and rice.
Utilise Pressure Cooker for Quick Cooking
Make use of the pressure cooker to minimise cooking time. Prepare daal, pulao, or even curries using the pressure cooker. This saves time and energy while still allowing you to enjoy wholesome Indian dishes. You could also invest in rice cookers, slow cookers, or air fryers.
Explore International Flavours and Cuisines
Use the extra time during summer vacations to introduce your family to new flavours and cuisines from around the world. Explore recipes from different cultures and prepare dishes like Mexican tacos, Thai stir-fries, Indian curries, or Mediterranean salads. This not only adds excitement to your meals but also broadens your family's culinary horizons.
Incorporate Fresh Fruits in Desserts
Take advantage of the abundance of fresh fruits during summers and incorporate them into Indian desserts. Prepare fruit-based desserts like mango shrikhand, fruit custard, or mixed fruit kulfi. These desserts are not only delicious but also provide a cooling and nutritious treat.
As you navigate the summer vacation with your kids, optimising your cooking routine becomes essential. By planning ahead, incorporating seasonal ingredients, involving your children, and using time-saving strategies, you can create delicious and nourishing meals while enjoying quality time with your family. Embrace the joys of summer and make every meal a delightful experience for everyone.
