20 no-cook dishes to survive when it’s hot

During periods of extreme heat or heatwave, it is difficult to indulge in recipes in the oven or in the pan, which are certainly delicious, but certainly do not help to lower the temperature in your home. And under this beating sun, only one word turns all heads: freshness! Fortunately, seasonal foods are there to help us: tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, peach, melon or watermelon. Made up of water in very large quantities, they are all as hydrating as each other and are perfectly consumed raw. As a bonus, their colorful look brightens up our plates, and immediately puts you in a good mood. What more ?

To read: We want a fresh menu to face the hot weather

Fresh salads but not only

Who says no-cook dishes, says salad. Although these are very easy to prepare and can be adapted endlessly, there are actually many other recipes that allow you to vary the pleasures without having to touch a pan (or turn on an oven). In the takeaway version: tacos, wraps, bagels or sandwiches are in the spotlight and know no limits in terms of combinations. For a chic and original lunch, we opt for cold soups or gazpachos made from mixed raw fruits or vegetables. They are eaten fresh, with a spoon or with pieces of bread. Ready in 10 minutes flat, they require very few ingredients, which are often already present in your cupboards.

A top freshness trend for several years, ceviches allow you to physically “cook” the fish, without having to resort to heat. In fact, the acidity of the citrus fruits used in the marinade modifies the structure of the proteins contained in the fish. Not a bad compromise, right? For a Peruvian ceviche worthy of the name, use firm-fleshed fish, with a light flavor such as sea bream, to marinate for just a few minutes before serving.

Not a fan of marine foods? Tartars and carpaccios are the ideal option to please the most carnivorous among us, without resorting to classic cooking methods. They are served with a nice mushroom salad, or the classic tomato-mozza combo, the famous caprese salad. For a lighter meal, or a refreshing aperitif, the choice is endless: toast, bruschetta, hummus or guacamole, all are often victims of their success, so be generous with the quantities. And to finish in style, there’s nothing like a tiramisu straight from the fridge. After all, the translation of the name of this Italian dessert is: “cheer me up”.

To follow: 20 no-cook dishes that will lower the temperature in your kitchen (the important thing is to believe it).