Recipes  

June 19 to 23, 2023: What to cook this week

This week marks the end of the school year and the beginning of the summer holiday for the kids. Let’s celebrate the moment with some safe bets, such as hot dogs, and take their taste buds on a journey around the world with a Niçoise specialty, a savoury Vietnamese sandwich and grilled Portuguese chicken. Easy peasy.

Monday: Tofu and Mushroom Banh mi

This vegetarian version of the Banh mi, a traditional Vietnamese sandwich, is an easy option to start the week. Divide the tofu and mushrooms between two sheet pans and brush them with a spicy mixture made with hoisin sauce and sambal oelek, then put them in the oven. Garnish the sandwiches with pickled carrots, cucumber and cilantro. Your kids will fall head over heels—and so will you!

Tuesday: Niçoise Salad (The Best)

There are many variations on the classic Niçoise salad. Make this one with many of the ingredients used in the traditional recipe, including olives, tuna and hard-boiled eggs. But stray from the original version by using local and seasonal vegetables, such as green beans, cucumbers, lettuce and cooked potatoes. A colourful meal full of protein that the whole family will love.

Wednesday: Asparagus and Ham Gnocchi

Ready in less than 30 minutes, this recipe is made for weeknight dinners. Simply pan-fry the gnocchi in butter and soften them with some broth. Add asparagus and carrot. Finish off this one-pan dish with diced ham and chopped dill, which is also used as a garnish. A simple and delicious suggestion that’ll win unanimous support around the table.

Thursday: Quick and Easy Portuguese-Style Chicken

This recipe makes good use of chicken thighs that have been marinated in lemon juice, paprika and bird’s eye chili. Thread the meat onto skewers and place them on the barbecue. Brush on extra marinade. Including the marinating time, this flavourful dish is ready in less than one hour. Serve with rice, potatoes or green salad with mustard vinaigrette.

Friday: Hot Dogs with Braised Cabbage and Spicy Mayonnaise

Hot dogs on the barbecue to start the long weekend? That’s a classic, but this recipe replaces the traditional coleslaw with braised cabbage. Cook it with bell peppers en papillote. You can also serve these mixed veggies as a side salad or use them as hamburger toppings. An easy meal. Let’s just hope the sun also shows up for dinner!

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