You’re back from vacation and you’re almost out of stock in your fridge? Don’t panic! Know that a successful summer aperitif doesn’t always require very sophisticated ingredients or endless shopping. With a little imagination and the products you already have in your cupboard, you can make wonders that will delight your guests.
Make way for creativity
Whether it’s an opened packet of rice or the last can of tuna, before you get cooking, take a few minutes to take stock of what you have on hand. Cupboards are often full of unexpected treasures: coconut milk, canned vegetables, rice, pasta, legumes such as chickpeas, lentils or beans, not to mention canned fish such as tuna, sardines or mackerel. These ingredients, although basic, are a real gold mine for improvised recipes. Rich in protein, fiber and slow sugars, they are not only nourishing but also incredibly versatile. Hummus, rillettes, tapenades, toast or even croquettes, your simplest products are transformed into a real summer feast.
Season well
To enhance these basic ingredients, spices and condiments are your best friends. Oils, vinegars, spices of all kinds, aromatic herbs, garlic, onions and shallots cleverly enhance any preparation. Also think about dried fruits, apricots, raisins or figs for example, as well as oilseeds which keep for a very long time. As an aperitif, they can be enjoyed alone, mixed and added to hummus, or grilled and crushed to make a delicious breading.
Corn Fritters
© Akiko Ida
A simple and clever way to use canned corn. The result: small, crispy bites to enjoy warm or cold!
Discover our recipe for Corn Fritters
Chickpea Falafels
© Lélia Castello
The classic falafels, perfect for nibbling on as an aperitif. Use dried chickpeas and add spices: cumin, ground coriander, paprika and chili for a very fragrant spice blend.
Discover our recipe for Chickpea Falafels
White bean dip with herbs
© Ella Mills
In addition to being an excellent source of vegetable protein and fiber, this spread is perfect to accompany fresh vegetables, breadsticks or toasted bread during your summer aperitifs.
Discover our recipe for White bean dip with herbs
Socca fries
© Boulawayne
Socca, a specialty from Nice, is a thin and crispy pancake made with chickpea flour. Easy to prepare, this recipe requires only a few ingredients: chickpea flour, salt, pepper, oil and that’s it!
Discover our recipe for Socca Fries
Arancini with arborio rice, rocket pesto and gorgonzola heart
© Emanuela Cino
Arancini are fried Sicilian rice balls stuffed with a meaty tomato sauce. Don’t hesitate to add saffron, a spice traditionally used by Sicilians!
Discover our recipe for Arancini with arborio rice, rocket pesto and gorgonzola heart
Mackerel rillettes with pomegranate
© Valery Guedes
A variation of the traditional tuna rillette in which the pomegranate brings a sweet and tangy note that contrasts with the rich taste of the fish. Fresh and delicious rillettes to spread generously on toasted bread.
Discover our recipe for Mackerel Rillettes with Pomegranate
