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What we're cooking in July

From plump strawberries to juicy tomatoes, there's so much brilliant UK produce to look forward to in July

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cook with the seasons

The warmer weather bring with it a whole host of vibrant fruit and vegetables in our gardens, fields, allotments and hedgerows. Expect fennel, rocket, cucumber and radishes to liven up summer salads, and a bounty of British berries (including raspberries, blackberries and strawberries) to garnish cocktails. cakes and blended to make homemade ice cream.

Much of July's seasonal produce is best enjoyed as it is, especially when freshly picked. But if you're looking for inspiration on what to make with your summer harvest, then you've come to the right place. Here, we've compiled our favourite recipes plus helpful tips on how to prepare the season's star ingredients.

What fruit and vegetables are in season in July?

Broad beans - Along with a bevy of British veggies, broad beans are ready to be picked and podded by July. Also known as fava beans – and touted as a superfood – broad beans boast a range of health benefits and are an excellent source of fibre and protein. Follow our helpful tips on how to prepare your broad beans then steam simply and dress with lemon juice, butter and black pepper.

Cauliflower - This versatile brassica has soared in popularity in recent years. When finely chopped, it makes a delicious, low carb alternative to rice, while cauliflower “steaks” are a firm fixture on vegan menus across the country. Find yourself with a glut of cauliflower on your hands? Fear not, it’s easy to freeze, too.

Chillies - Homegrown chillies require a longer growing season – with some varieties being planted as early as January – but the flavour is well worth the wait. Add a dash of heat to your favourite stir-fries, salads and curries, or make a fragrant chilli oil to drizzle wherever you fancy. It’s important to prepare and deseed your chilli properly to avoid any unwanted heat, so be sure to follow our helpful tips.

Courgettes - Part of the squash, marrow and cucumber family, courgettes are at their best from June through to October. They’re easy to grow and oh-so versatile; try them grilled on the BBQ, stuffed, stirred into pasta, or shaved like ribbons into summer salads. Take care of their flowers, too, as these can be stuffed with ricotta and fried to create an impressive starter.

Fennel - July marks the beginning of British fennel season, bringing with it that distinctive aniseed aroma. Don’t just stick to serving it raw; when roasted or barbecued, fennel takes on a delicious, smoky-sweet flavour. Lasting right through to November, it’s worth bookmarking our recipe for gruyere fennel gratin when Sunday roasts are firmly back on the menu.

Rocket - With its spicy, peppery leaves, rocket is ideal for pepping up salads and topping pizza. To ensure a steady supply if you're growing your own, it's best to sow rocket seeds every fortnight throughout the spring and summer months.

Tomatoes - Growing your own tomatoes is simpler than it might seem, even if you're new to the garden. They're ideal for containers (either in a sunny spot outdoors or a greenhouse), and just a couple of tomato plants is enough to ensure a plentiful supply throughout the summer. Our advice? Plant an array of tomatoes – from sweet, smaller cherry tomatoes to giant heirlooms – for added intrigue.

Strawberries - Whether coupled with cream at Wimbledon or paired with fresh mint and cucumber in your Pimms, there’s a reason British strawberries scream "summertime". Bright, warm days coupled with cool nights means locally-grown strawberries are vividly red and deliciously sweet. In our opinion, homegrown can’t be beaten, but here’s what to look out for when buying strawberries in the supermarket.

1

Griddled asparagus with broad beans and tahini – July recipes

griddled asparagus with broad beans and tahini

Pairing griddled asparagus with fresh broad beans and a zingy tahini dressing makes the perfect summer salad. You can always grill your asparagus on the BBQ, if you prefer.

Recipe: Griddled asparagus with broad beans and tahini

2

Eton mess lollies – July recipes

summer recipes

These Eton mess flavoured ice lollies are a refreshing treat on a hot summer's day. Strawberry ice cream is covered in white chocolate and crushed meringue – this one's guaranteed to be loved by kids (and adults!).

Recipe: Eton mess lollies

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3

Lamb and minty broad bean salad – July recipes

best july recipes

This refreshing mint, lamb and broad bean salad is the perfect celebration of seasonal summer ingredients. Not a fan of mint? Basil or parsley would work well instead.

Recipe: Lamb and minty broad bean salad

4

Lebanese cauliflower bowls – July recipes

july recipes

These Lebanese cauliflower bowls are perfect for picnics. Top tabbouleh with smoky baba ganoush and spiced cauliflower for a nutritious lunch al fresco.

Recipe: Lebanese cauliflower bowls

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5

Courgette risotto – July recipes

july recipes

We've added chilli and fresh lemon to give this courgette risotto recipe a summery (and spicy!) lift.

Recipe: Courgette risotto

6

Strawberry and almond galette – July recipes

summer recipes

Hosting a summer lunch? This strawberry and almond galette makes a delicious warm weather dessert. Serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream, clotted cream or ice cream – the choice is yours!

Recipe: Strawberry and almond galette

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7

Prawn, asparagus and rocket pappardelle – July recipes

summer recipes

Don't be fooled by the seemingly simple ingredients. The addition of egg yolks and parmesan add rich depth to this light and bright pasta dish.

Recipe: Prawn, asparagus and rocket pappardelle

8

Za’atar lemon chicken and cauliflower steaks – July recipes

july recipes

Achieve authentic Middle Eastern flavours the easy way with this quick and zingy za'atar marinade, paired with chicken and cauliflower here. Simple enough for a weeknight, but special enough for a dinner party.

Recipe: Za’atar lemon chicken and cauliflower steaks

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9

Courgette and pistachio loaf cake – July recipes

july recipes

Light and fluffy, this courgette loaf cake is crammed full of pistachios and topped with a citrussy cream cheese icing. Yum.

Recipe: Courgette and pistachio loaf cake

10

Courgette and aubergine BBQ salad – July recipes

best veggie bbq recipes

Make the most of seasonal veggies with this courgette and aubergine salad salad, which also features lentils, preserved lemon, a minty yoghurt dressing and a harissa marinade that brings bags of flavour.

Recipe: Courgette and aubergine BBQ salad

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11

Spicy Thai beef salad – July recipes

summer recipes

In this meat-based dish, rare beef is flavoured with a Thai dressing and paired with a peanut, mint and mango salad.

Recipe: Spicy Thai beef salad

12

Cucumber, elderflower and mint sorbet – July recipes

pina colada ice cream

The mercury rising fast? Beat the heat with this trio of cooling summer sorbets.

Recipe: Cucumber, elderflower and mint sorbet

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13

Chicken piccata escalope with fennel and pea salad – July recipes

summer recipes

A seasonal salad packed with fennel, peas and butterhead lettuce helps to cut through the richness of this chicken dish. This one's a firm family favourite to fall back on time and time again, whatever the season!

Recipe: Chicken piccata escalope with fennel and pea salad

14

Roasted tomato and burrata salad – July recipes

summer recipes

We can't resist burrata right now and the combination of it with sweet summer tomatoes and basil takes it to a whole new level.

Recipe: Roasted tomato and burrata salad

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15

Speedy fennel prawns with butter bean mash – July recipes

july recipes

Looking for a speedy summer supper to enjoy outdoors? Look no further. On the table in 20 minutes, it's just what we're craving in July.

Recipe: Speedy fennel prawns with butter bean mash

16

Coconut and raspberry layered jelly – July recipes

summer recipes

Enjoy a taste of the tropics with this delicious, dairy-free layered dessert. A seriously impressive summer centrepiece.

Recipe: Coconut and raspberry layered jelly

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17

Crab lasagne – July recipes

july recipes

In this summery take on a classic lasagne we've used crab meat, which is lifted by fennel, chives and lemon. Garnish with fresh rocket and enjoy!

Recipe: Crab lasagne

18

Summer meatball stew – July recipes

july recipes

Packed with seasonal green veggies and herbs, this simple meatball stew is summer in a bowl. Serve with warm focaccia for dunking.

Recipe: Summer meatball stew

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19

Potted crayfish – July recipes

potted crayfish

Light, fresh and full of flavour, this potted crayfish and pickled cucumber makes the perfect light lunch or dinner party starter served with a cold glass of white wine.

Recipe: Potted crayfish

20

Fragrant chilli oil – July recipes

best chinese recipes

Make the most of homegrown chillis with this gloriously vibrant, Chinese-style chilli oil. Perfect spooned over everything from noodles and rice dishes to grilled vegetables and chicken.

Recipe: Fragrant chilli oil

Lettermark
Millie West
Freelance Journalist

Millie is freelance journalist and editor with five years’ experience writing product reviews, buying guides, breaking news and about the latest trends.  
  Millie has also reviewed countless restaurants and written travel features for British GQ, The Telegraph and the Independent, and has interviewed a number of leading chefs, including Jamie Oliver, Heston Blumenthal and Raymond Blanc.  
  Founder of creative catering brand @grazeandgorge, Millie also spends her time creating seasonal recipes and tablescape content, as well as planning her next golden retriever-friendly getaway and rearranging her own home bar cart (... again).
 

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cook with the seasons
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