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As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming excitement for summer.
It’s the season for outdoor gatherings, laughter-filled evenings, and of course, incredible food. This year, I’m particularly thrilled about trying out some of Jamie Oliver’s fantastic recipes.
Known for his vibrant and flavorful dishes, Jamie never fails to bring something extraordinary to the table. Here are four of his best summer recipes that I can’t wait to share with friends and family.
Let’s dive in!
1. The Ultimate Vegan BBQ
First up is the Ultimate Vegan BBQ. Jamie Oliver has outdone himself with this one, creating a spread that even the most dedicated carnivores will love.
Ingredients:
- Seasonal vegetables (such as courgettes, red peppers, and aubergines)
- Olive oil
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon juice
- Barbecue sauce
Steps:
- Prep the Veggies: Start by slicing your vegetables into manageable pieces. I love using courgettes, red peppers, and aubergines for their rich flavors and beautiful grill marks.
- Marinate: Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and freshly chopped herbs like rosemary and thyme. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty kick.
- Grill: Preheat your barbecue to medium-high heat. Place the veggies on the grill, cooking until they’re tender and charred, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Serve: Brush the vegetables with a generous amount of barbecue sauce just before taking them off the grill. Serve hot, and watch them disappear quickly!
2. The Ultimate Steak Marinade
Next, we have the Ultimate Steak Marinade, perfect for those who love a juicy, flavorful steak.
Ingredients:
- 4 steaks (your choice of cut)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 fresh red chili
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
Steps:
- Prepare the Marinade: Finely chop the garlic, chili, and rosemary. In a bowl, mix them with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper.
- Marinate the Steaks: Place the steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they’re well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably a few hours, for maximum flavor.
- Grill: Heat your barbecue to high. Cook the steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust the time to your preferred doneness.
- Rest and Serve: Let the steaks rest for a few minutes before serving. This step is crucial for juicy, flavorful meat.
3. Barbecued British Ribs
For those who enjoy a bit of a challenge and a lot of flavor, Jamie’s Barbecued British Ribs are a must-try.
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of pork ribs
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Barbecue sauce
- 2 onions
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 red chilies
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
- 200ml apple juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Steps:
- Prepare the Ribs: Preheat your oven to 160°C/325°F. Season the ribs with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Place them on a baking tray.
- Roast: Cover the tray with foil and roast in the oven for 2.5 hours until tender.
- Make the Sauce: While the ribs are roasting, finely chop the onions, garlic, chilies, and ginger. Sauté them in a saucepan with a bit of olive oil until softened. Add the apple juice and brown sugar, and simmer until thickened.
- Grill: Preheat your barbecue to medium-high. Brush the ribs with the homemade barbecue sauce and grill for 10-15 minutes, turning and basting frequently, until they’re sticky and charred.
- Serve: Cut the ribs and serve with extra sauce on the side.
4. The Ultimate Vegetarian BBQ
Finally, for a veggie-packed delight, Jamie’s Ultimate Vegetarian BBQ is a colorful feast.
Ingredients:
- 1 large aubergine
- 2 courgettes
- 2 red peppers
- Olive oil
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- 200g halloumi
- 1 lemon
- Fresh mint
Steps:
- Prep the Veggies: Slice the aubergine, courgettes, and red peppers into thick strips. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the Veggies: Heat your barbecue to medium-high and grill the vegetables until tender and nicely charred, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Grill the Halloumi: Slice the halloumi and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Arrange the grilled vegetables and halloumi on a platter. Squeeze over some lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing touch.
This summer, I’m looking forward to gathering with loved ones, savoring these delightful dishes, and creating lasting memories around the barbecue. Jamie Oliver’s recipes not only promise mouthwatering flavors but also bring a sense of joy and celebration to every meal. Here’s to a summer filled with good food, great company, and endless fun!
