I have no complaints about this hot weather, my Febuary self would assure you. Anytime I feel like complaining I think about Febuary Celeste and rejoice it is summer. I do have a complaint about the oven making my apartment sweltering, it just makes me crabby to eat in that type of heat. I will go as many days I can without using my oven in the summer, hence having cherry balls for lunch and dinner too many days in a row. (See last post for details)
A way to avoid heating up my entire apartment everyday, is batch cooking ingredients that can be delicious served cold. This summer I have been all about cold quinoa, mixed up with a couple fridge staples. To create a very simple, scrumptious light, little dish, you need 3 ingredients minimum, whipped up in 5 minutes. I almost always add a bunch of mixed greens to this dish.
1/2 an avocado, cold prepared quinoa, and salsa.
I mash up the avocado and salsa into the quinoa and greens. Slowing down and mixing really well makes the difference. The avo needs to be smeared all over the greens and quinoa. Serve with a ripe mango or whatever side you have on hand. So satisfying and energizing.
Another reason I love quinoa in general but especially in the summer, is how short the cook time is. Less than 15 minutes and it is done. To prepare- 1:2 quinoa to water, bring to a boil, soften to a simmer until water is absorbed, let cool.