It’s Juneteenth, a day traditionally celebrated with brightly hued red foods. If you’re searching for some summery inspiration, look no further than Gabrielle E.W. Carter’s recipe for country panzanella with watermelon dressing, adapted by Nicole Taylor and Yewande Komolafe.
This colorful, cooling salad, full of toasted bread, tomatoes and watermelon, is tossed with a piquant dressing that’s made from both the sweet watermelon flesh and tangy rind. Using a large-holed grater is the key to getting the texture right for the dressing, which is spiked with mustard seeds and red pepper flakes. Serve it in big bowl along with a platter of Genevieve Ko’s grilled chicken legs for a satisfying warm weather meal, on Juneteenth or anytime.
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Country Panzanella With Watermelon Dressing
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Also red-flecked and festive, Farideh Sadeghin’s succotash is based on a Native American dish introduced to colonial immigrants in the 17th century. You can use fresh or frozen corn and lima beans in Farideh’s version, which is sweetened even further with juicy cherry tomatoes and Vidalia onion.
While we’re talking beans, Ali Slagle’s new recipe for one-pot white beans with prosciutto and dates is an absolute stunner. The combination of salty ham, butterscotch-y dates and soft white beans speckled with crunchy celery is both speedy and special.
Summer has rushed in at full force here in the Northeast, with June impersonating August and sending everyone scampering for air-conditioning. Luckily Genevieve is here with her grain bowl with sardines and sauce moyo. The sauce, a snappy West African staple of onion, peppers and tomatoes brightened with chile and lime, adds a little crunch to a mix of quick cooking grains (such as fonio or quinoa) and soft, rich pieces of smoked tinned fish. It’s a filling, nearly no-cook meal for the steamiest summer days, and it’s especially great for lunch.
For a dessert that’s like air-conditioning for your palate, Yossy Arefi’s lemon olive-oil ice cream is silky, tart-sweet and very sophisticated thanks to a drizzle of good oil and flaky sea salt on top. (Take that, hot fudge.) By the way, if you’ve been thinking of buying an ice cream maker, take advantage of Wirecutter’s special discount on their favorite model. It’s under $50, but the sale ends today.
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While there are countless recipes for dal, Priya Krishna’s everyday dal is as soothing and restorative (and quick) as they come. Ready in 15 minutes and made with pantry staples, it’s fragrant with spices, rich with ghee and perfect for serving with roti or rice.
