Food
8 Inspired Recipes For Every Spring Occasion
From picnic-perfect dips and desserts to brunch-ready quiches and cakes, these easy recipes using the season’s freshest produce will liven up any upcoming affair
Along with blossoming gardens, friendly weather and a sense of renewal, spring brings with it an abundance of seasonal produce – and it’s high time to swap those heavy winter dishes in favour of lighter, fresher fare. Whether you’re picnicking in the park, hosting a sun-drenched garden party, or simply celebrating brighter skies with a family get-together, we’ve rounded up a selection of spring recipes for every occasion, so you can make the most of what the season has to offer.
For A Perfect Picnic
Green Pea And Mint Dip
Ready to spice up your alfresco spread? Grab some frozen peas and whip up this green pea dip as a light alternative to heavier cream-loaded versions. With a cool combo of fresh mint and smooth tahini, the nutty, herbal kick balances the natural sweetness of the peas. And not only is this dish a breeze to prepare, but it’s also packed with vitamins, fibre and protein – as healthy as it is delicious. Serve with anything from baguette and crackers to pita bread and crostini, or reach for your favourite crudités like celery sticks, sliced radishes, cucumbers and carrots.
Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars
When it comes to picnics, hassle-free options are the way to go. These tasty blueberry and lemon pie bars are a no-fuss portable dessert (or snack) fitting for lazy afternoons spent on a chequered blanket – or even packed as an energising pit stop along the hiking trail. Tart lemon pairs perfectly with the sweet burst of juicy blueberries, resulting in a creamy, tangy treat. The power boost of antioxidants and vitamin C is the cherry, ahem, blueberry on top.
For A Sunday Brunch
Kremydotiganites
No Sunday brunch is complete without pancakes, but if you’re craving something savoury, this Greek iteration is just the thing. Kremydotiganites, which translates to “onion fritters”, are made with a delicate flour pancake batter mixed with onions, scallions and aromatic herbs like parsley, mint, rosemary and basil, plus a splash of sparkling water for extra-airy fluff. Free of eggs, this recipe makes for a great vegan option as well. In terms of toppings, go the Greek route with feta cheese, tzatziki, Greek yogurt or homemade tomato sauce.
Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Looking for a melt-in-your-mouth dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth while also sneaking in a healthy veggie boost? This moist, fudgy double chocolate zucchini bread, made with a surprisingly short list of ingredients, is a great way to indulge in something that’s (almost) as decadent as it is wholesome. The zucchini imparts the loaf with a sneakily smooth texture, but you really won’t taste anything other than the rich, deep chocolate – especially ideal for the pickiest eaters at the table.
For An Elegant Garden Party
Asparagus And Feta Quiche
Garden parties are all about highlighting the bounty of spring with a touch of sophistication. This asparagus and feta quiche does just that. Using a buttery, gluten-free pastry crust as the base, and complementing asparagus – arguably the season’s blockbuster vegetable – with the soft tang of feta cheese and a hint of dill, the recipe is full-flavoured and satisfying, but still light enough to let the fresh notes shine through – ideal for celebrating spring with culinary flair and zero fuss.
Strawberry And Elderflower Cake
When it comes to a garden party dessert, nothing beats the allure of a fragrant, flower-infused delight. This luscious strawberry and elderflower cake combines vibrant berries with the delicate floral aromas of elderflower syrup, plus ginger for zing and almonds for nutty richness. Top it off with a sprinkle of pistachios and a few elderflower blossoms, and you’ll have yourself a beautiful centrepiece every guest will be eyeing.
For A Family Potluck
Italian Fennel Bake
At family affairs, you’ve got to please palates both young and not-quite-as young – and this fennel bake puts a delicious yet unexpected twist on the usual crowd-pleasing casserole. Finocchi Gratinati, or fennel gratin, takes fresh fennel bulbs and bakes them tender with an unctuous béchamel sauce, resulting in a dish that’s both hearty and full of flavour. Topped with a crispy, golden Parmesan crust, it makes for a fancy-seeming recipe without any extra effort. Just don’t forget to serve with crusty bread to sop up the extra sauce.
Apricot Pavlova
Though it may essentially be a simple meringue made with just a few ingredients, a pavlova is always an elegant dessert choice that never fails to impress guests big and small. For an inspired variation on the beloved strawberry and tropical fruit versions, this apricot pavlova offers a unique yet equally bright and delightful take. The sweet, juicy apricots add a burst of sunny taste, while the crisp meringue with its pillowy interior provides the perfect balance of textures. Sprinkle sprigs of lemon thyme over the top for a zesty, aromatic finish and a dash of green that make this pavlova as stunning to serve as it is to savour.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.