HOT WEATHER IS COMING – QUICK NO-COOK DISHES

By Vegan Victoria, Nutrition Consultant

The weather has been up and down in the Danville area for the last month.. a few days of blazing heat then a few days of below-normal temperatures with clouds and wind. But we know the summer heat will be back with a vengeance soon. So in preparation, here’s a couple of my favorite dishes that don’t require any cooking over a hot stove or grill.

Cabbage Pineapple Salad

Ingredients:

6 cups of shredded green cabbage

1 can diced pineapple in fresh juice, drained

½ cup coarsely chopped dry-roasted, un-salted peanuts

1 jalapeno pepper, halved lengthwise, seeded & cut into 1/8 inch slices

2 Tablespoons mild-flavored olive oil & 1 Tablespoon sesame oil

3 Tablespoons unseasoned Japanese rice vinegar

2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)

Directions:

 Combine cabbage, pineapple, peanuts and jalapeno in a large bowl.

To make dressing: in a small bowl, whisk the oils, vinegar, ginger, garlic and salt until blended. Add the dressing to the cabbage and toss to blend. Add cilantro if using. Serve at room temperature.

Serves 6-8 people

 Source: Fresh and Fast Vegetarian cookbook

Chilled Zucchini-Dill Soup

Ingredients:

1 cup water, plus additional water to thin (about 1/3 cup)

2 medium zucchini, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

2 Tbsp lemon juice

2 tsp mellow white miso

2 small cloves garlic, crushed

1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste

Dash cayenne

1 avocado

2 Tbsp minced fresh dill (or tsp dried dill)

Directions:

Place water, zucchini, celery, lemon juice, miso and garlic, salt and cayenne in a blender and process until smooth.

 Add the avocado and dill and blend briefly.

 Add additional water to thin to desired consistency, and blend again.

 You can add a little extra dill, or finely diced zucchini as garnish.

 Serve chilled or at room temperature.

 Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serves 4 people

Source: www.rawbayarea.com