Your British Summer Menu - Our Favourite Seasonal Dishes
At Hollands Country Clothing, we've always been passionate about sharing knowledge and finding ways to support our British farmers.
Over the recent months, we've dedicated ourselves to showcasing the importance of our farming communities, and now we're excited to bring that passion to your plate.
There's a kind of magic in taking the simplest ingredients that each season offers and whipping them into joyful, delicious meals for everyone to share. And let's be honest, it's even better when those ingredients come straight from our hardworking British farmers!
So, in this blog post, we thought we’d share some of our favourite seasonal dishes for you to try out over the summer. Tasty, simple dishes that you can make using fresh, local British produce picked up from your local farmers' markets or even directly from nearby farms.
We've got everything from kid-friendly snacks to barbeque favourites, so we hope you will find something you are excited to try here.
Just before we dive in, please note that I'm not a culinary expert, nor do I claim to be the next MasterChef contender! These dishes are not meant to be rigid rules carved in stone, but rather friendly suggestions and springboards of inspiration to ignite your own creativity in the kitchen, all celebrating the freshness of seasonal ingredients.
What's Seasonal Over British Summertime
There are so many fantastic ingredients to enjoy over the summer months, with plenty to fill up your fridge and pantry with.
- In Britain, May signals the start of the summer growing season. It brings gorgeous seasonal produce like tender asparagus spears, vibrant radishes, and the first harvest of tart rhubarb.
- By June, the fields and hedgerows are bursting with life. Spring-sown vegetable crops are finally ready to harvest, and those yummy soft fruits begin to ripen under the warmth of the sun. It's the perfect time to indulge in locally grown strawberries and apricots, and to enjoy the creaminess of broad beans in a fresh salad.
- As July arrives, the bounty of summer is in full swing. New potatoes, earthy beetroot, and crisp green beans fill our plates, along with an abundance of berries full of natural sweetness - perfect for crumbles and fresh fruit ice creams.
- Then, in August, heat-loving crops get their moment! This is the time to savour the juiciness of ripe tomatoes, the crunch of fresh cucumbers, and the spice of chillies.
If you're interested in learning more, we suggest reading this fantastic guide from The National Trust.
Where to Source Ingredients
Whether you're making a vibrant salad or treating yourself to a sweet treat, you can easily pick up lots of goodies to make all your favourite recipes at farmers markets across the country.
The great thing about these markets is that they have such an incredible range of local produce - meats, cheeses, salads, veggies, fruits, baked goods, condiments, and so much more. And the best part? It's all fresh and straight from the source!
Farms around your area may also sell produce directly from their doorstep. Look out for signs on farm gates or village noticeboards. We love Easyfarmshop.co.uk, which has a dedicated section on its website where you can search for local farm shops near you.
So, if you're looking for the best places to find the best of British food, try the following places:
- Farmers markets
- Local farm shops and butchers
- Online suppliers, such as Deerbox or Oddbox
- Community Gardens
- Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programmes
During the summer months, many farms also open their fields to the public for pick-your-own experiences, which can be a great family activity.
Our Selection of British Summer Dishes
Now it's time to take a look at some summer recipes using your fresh produce!
Remember that these dishes are meant for inspiration and can be adapted to your own liking or whatever you can source locally. The key is to keep it seasonal, using readily available ingredients.
Barbeque Dishes
Summer in Britain wouldn't be complete without firing up the barbeque! As soon as the sun comes out, we make the most of it and get everyone round to celebrate.
There are lots of great options to showcase the best of British, and we’ve listed out a few ideas below.
Prime British Beef Burgers:
- Start with British beef mince, mix in your favourite seasonings, perhaps some finely chopped onions, garlic, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for that extra flavour kick. Shape into patties and grill until perfectly charred on the outside and juicy on the inside. Serve in a soft brioche bun with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a dollop of tangy relish.
Tender Lamb Kebabs with Mint Yoghurt Dip:
- Opt for succulent cuts of British lamb and marinate in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme, all sourced from the market. Thread onto skewers and grill until golden brown and cooked to your liking. Serve with a cooling dip made with creamy local yoghurt, chopped fresh mint, and a squeeze of lemon.
Sizzling Pork Sausages with Caramelised Onions:
- Choose premium British pork sausages from the market, and grill until they're beautifully browned. Top with a generous heap of caramelised onions made from onions sourced straight from the market, cooked low and slow until they're sweet and golden.
You could also make the most of summer veggies by whipping up dishes like:
Grilled Vegetable Skewers:
- Pick up some locally produced colourful summer vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, peppers, courgettes, and mushrooms. Brush with a mixture of local olive oil, lemon juice, and your favourite herbs, then grill until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Serve with a dipping sauce made from blended radishes, spring onions, and yoghurt.
Barbeque Cabbage Wedges:
- Cut a cabbage into wedges and brush with a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Grill until tender and charred, then serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Grilled Sweetcorn with Chilli Lime Butter:
- Grill sweetcorn until lightly charred. Mix softened butter with fresh chopped chillies and lime zest. Brush onto grilled sweetcorn before serving.
Summer Party Pleasers
Garden parties are all about enjoying good food and good company.
Here are some crowd-pleasing dishes perfect for your next gathering, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
New Potato Salad with Chives and Crispy Bacon Bits:
- Use locally grown new potatoes and fresh chives from the market to make a creamy potato salad. Add crispy bacon bits for extra flavour and crunch.
Mini Quiches with British Cheese and Herbs:
- Use local British cheese, eggs, and fresh herbs from the market to make mini quiches. These savoury bites are sure to be a hit with your guests.
Courgette and Feta Fritters:
- Grate courgettes and squeeze out excess moisture. Mix with crumbled feta cheese, chopped spring onions, beaten eggs, flour, and chopped herbs. Form into patties and fry until golden brown. Serve with a yoghurt and dill dipping sauce.
Colourful Summer Salad with Strawberries, Feta Cheese, and Balsamic Glaze:
- Combine fresh strawberries, locally produced feta cheese, mixed salad greens, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet and savoury salad that's as beautiful as it is delicious.
And don’t forget the drinks!
Pimm's Cocktail with Fresh Cucumber and Strawberries:
- Use fresh cucumbers and strawberries from the market to make a classic Pimm's cocktail. Garnish with mint leaves for a burst of flavour.
Iced Tea with Lemon and Mint:
- Brew a pitcher of iced tea using tea leaves from the market. Add slices of fresh lemon and sprigs of mint for a cooling summer drink.
Light Summer Dinner Ideas
After a long day in the sun, nothing beats a light and refreshing dinner made with the finest local ingredients.
We've put together some simple dishes below which are all about celebrating those summery flavours.
Grilled Fish with Herb Butter and Seasonal Greens:
- Grill fresh fish fillets seasoned with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon until cooked through. Top with homemade herb butter made with softened butter, chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, and chives), and lemon zest. Serve with a side of sautéed seasonal greens.
Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Fennel Slaw:
- Rub British pork tenderloin with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, thyme, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Grill until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred. While the pork rests, toss together thinly sliced apples, fennel, and red onion from the farmers' market with a simple dressing made from apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
Beetroot and Goat Cheese Salad:
- Roast or boil beetroot until tender, then slice thinly. Arrange mixed salad leaves on a plate and top with sliced beetroot, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped walnuts. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
Spring Onion and Potato Frittata:
- Boil new potatoes until tender, then slice thinly. Sauté sliced spring onions in a pan until softened. Whisk eggs with milk, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped herbs. Pour the egg mixture into the pan with the spring onions and arrange sliced potatoes on top. Cook until set, then finish under the grill until golden brown.
Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki and Greek Salad:
- Mix minced British lamb with garlic, chopped fresh mint, breadcrumbs, and an egg. Form into meatballs and bake in the oven until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with homemade tzatziki made from Greek yoghurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, along with a classic Greek salad featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
Kid-Friendly Snacks
Ah, the summer holidays - a time for endless adventures, outdoor play, and, of course, lots of snacks to keep those little tummies satisfied!
Take your little ones with you to farmers markets or local farms to introduce them to the concept of "farm to fork". Let them pick out fresh ingredients and then help out in the kitchen. From washing fruits and veggies to stirring batter, they can get involved and learn more about where their food comes from.
Homemade Fruit Ice Lollies:
- Blend together ripe berries and a splash of fruit juice. Pour into ice lolly moulds and freeze until solid.
Crispy Vegetable Crisps with Hummus:
- Slice vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and peppers into thin strips. Arrange on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Bake until crispy and serve with hummus for dipping.
Mini Cheese and Ham Muffins with Hidden Vegetables:
- Make mini muffins using a batter made from whole wheat flour, grated cheese, chopped ham, and finely grated vegetables like courgettes or carrots. Bake until golden brown and serve as a savoury snack.
Apple Sandwiches with Peanut Butter:
- Core and slice apples into rounds. Spread peanut butter on one apple slice and sprinkle with muesli or a crunchy cereal you have on hand. Top with another apple slice to create a sandwich. Press gently to adhere and enjoy!
Cucumber Roll-Ups with Cream Cheese and Ham:
- Use a vegetable peeler to slice long, thin strips of cucumber. Spread cream cheese on each strip, then layer with slices of ham. Roll up and secure with toothpicks for a fun snack.
Frozen Yoghurt Bark:
- Spread yoghurt onto a baking sheet and sprinkle with chopped strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Freeze until firm, then break into pieces to make yoghurt bark.
Summary
As we wrap up our journey through these delicious seasonal dishes, we hope you're feeling inspired to dive into the wonderful world of summer cooking. There's something truly magical about this time of year – the warm sun, the longer days, and of course, the delicious, fresh food!
From sizzling barbeques to light and refreshing dinners, from summer party platters to snacks the little ones will love, we've showcased the versatility and flavour of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It's amazing what you can create with a handful of seasonal produce and a little bit of creativity in the kitchen.
And hey, we're not the only ones with great recipes to share! Do you have a favourite summer dish that you'd like to tell us about? We'd love to hear from you! Drop us a comment below.
So, here's to the farmers and growers who make it all possible, and here's to all of us, enjoying the simple pleasures of good food and good company. Happy cooking, and happy summer!
About the Author
With her extensive firsthand experience of farm life and a keen eye for quality, Sarah Holland's advice on womens country clothing reflects her genuine appreciation for the joys and comfort of rural living. Whether it's a smart tweed jacket for a formal occasion or durable wellies for muddy walks, she knows what works for life in the countryside. Sarah loves sharing her knowledge and insights to help others discover the perfect attire for their outdoor lifestyle.
