The dog days of summer are officially here, with the mercury rising and humidity settling. The last thing on anyone's mind is pre-heating the stove, and even the outdoor grill may seem like too much. Before you substitute popsicles for pork chops or Ben and Jerry's for broccoli, try these tasty, healthy options that don't require your stove.
Bulgur is a whole grain that doesn't require cooking; all you need to do is soak it in hot water, which can be warmed in the microwave first.
Good Housekeeping's Genevieve Ko offers this great
recipe for tabbouleh, which includes raw beets for flavor and color.
Another Mediterranean favorite, hummus, is made easily by adding garbanzo beans, lemon juice, tahini and garlic in a blender, and can be used on sandwiches, as a vegetable dip or served with a little red pepper and olive oil.
Ko also recommends steaming fish in the microwave. Meatier fish like cod and salmon serve up very nicely when placed with soy sauce or lemon in a glass pie plate and covered with vented plastic wrap. For all of Ko's recommendations, click
here.
Salads are always a good option during the heat and a little bacon, cooked crispy in the microwave, adds flavor without the heat.
Pasta salads are also great in the summer, but skip the mayo. Instead use olive oil, lemon juice and vinegar with spiral pasta. Peas, carrots, red peppers and olives add lots of flavor and color and a low fat cheese or chicken cubes add protein.
For a wide range of no cook dishes, click
here.