Southern Summer Menu – 3 quick summer recipes

When the sun shines bright and the air is warm, there’s nothing quite like indulging in the vibrant flavors of Southern summer cuisine. From fresh produce to tangy barbecue, Southern cooking embraces the season’s bounty with mouthwatering dishes that are perfect for picnics, backyard gatherings, or simply enjoying a laid-back meal. In this blog post, we’ll explore three delightful recipes that capture the essence of Southern summer food. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Recipe 1: Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

• 8 pieces of chicken (mixed, such as drumsticks and thighs)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to heat preference)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk. Ensure all chicken is coated, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for better flavor).
2. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to approximately 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
5. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked, flipping halfway through.
6. Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness of Southern-style fried chicken.

Recipe 2: Tangy Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow them to marinate for approximately 15-20 minutes.
4. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the soaked wooden skewers, piercing through the tail and the head of each shrimp to keep them in place.
5. Place the shrimp skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque.
6. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute or two before serving.
7. Serve these tangy grilled shrimp skewers as an appetizer or alongside a fresh summer salad for a light and delicious meal.

Recipe 3: Refreshing Watermelon and Feta Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups diced watermelon, seedless
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh mint leaves.
2. Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lime juice over the watermelon mixture.
3. Gently toss the ingredients to coat evenly. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
4. Refrigerate the salad for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve the refreshing watermelon and feta salad chilled as a side dish or a light summer snack. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory that will keep you refreshed on hot summer days.

Conclusion: These three Southern summer food recipes embody the essence of the season—comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a taste of the South, these dishes will satisfy your summer food cravings. So, gather your loved ones, embrace the warmth of the sun, and savor the delectable flavors of Southern cuisine this summer.