What are some good Dinner ideas for very Hot Weather?

Question

Just for my partner and I. I don't really feel like cooking too extensively because of the weather, I live in Phoenix, but we are healthy and like to make meals at home. What are your best dinner ideas for very hot weather?

Answer 1

I found that having a toaster oven and 2-burner hot plate on the back porch allows you to fix whatever you want without heating up the house. I did the salad and sandwich thing during the hot days but all that got old so I would make meat loaf and a baked potato in the toaster oven and have something other than salads and sandwiches to eat. I use the two-burner stove to make stir-fry meals.



If you are not interested in either of those suggestions, then you can prepare your dinner early in the morning when it is cool - making fried chicken, potato salad, deviled eggs, baked beans, etc. Refrigerate it all and haul it out for dinner. Or you can prepare the meal and zap it to reheat when you are ready to eat.



Here is a nice salad recipe if you are after salad recipes:



CHICKEN SALAD



Bed of salad greens in a large bowl for each person

1/2 chopped apple per bowl

1 handful of cranraisins

Shredded cooked chicken

Toasted pine nuts

Toasted sunflower seeds

Toasted walnuts

Feta Cheese



Serve with Raspberry Vinaigrette. I first had that salad at a restaurant in Bothell, Washington and they charged $12 for the salad for lunch.



Hope that helps.

Answer 2

Look into crock pot ideas. I love minestrone in the crock pot with some fresh bread. I know soup is usually a winter food, but this one is too simple not to make all the time. *healthy if no salt added cans are used* 1 can drained each, - green beans (cut), corn, peas 2 can not drained each, - beans (white), diced tomato (italian flavor is best) Heat to hot and serve. You can add cooked sausage to this as well. Crab Cakes- 2 can crab flakes (can be expensive, can substitute other canned meats/fish) 1 egg 1 TBS worchestershire 1 TBS flavored mustard 1/2 C Mayo 1 TBS onion flakes (or saute' green pepper and onion prior to mixing) 1 TBS garlic powder 1 tsp hot pepper flakes (adjust to taste) bread crumbs (2 cups about) mix everything but crab and bread crumbs. Add bread crumbs gradually until dense and you can form a patty. Drain and add crab and mix gently so you still have crab chunks. Heat a fry pan with oil (enough to cover bottom and then some). Make small patties about 1" thick and gently fry until each side is golden brown flipping only once. *not really healthy or cheap but damned good eats*

Answer 3

I use my toaster oven, and grill alot during summer I also use my knockoff george forman grill (quick and no heat in kitchen) Also the slow cooker

Chicken or tuna salad

taco salad

quesadillas

Blt's

Rueben's

eggs or other breakfast items are good for dinner

bbq pulled pork in crock pot

fish on the george foreman grill