Five summer recipes using seasonal produce that is at the market right now

Do you know which produce is actually in season right now? Most shoppers grab imported tomatoes at 400 dinars a kilo, while the farmers’ market already has fresh strawberries, cherries, asparagus, peppers, courgettes and green salads at better prices.

According to the seasonal produce calendars used by Serbian food publications, May and June bring the biggest range of fresh vegetables and the first berries. Here are five recipes with under 15 minutes of prep.

1. Summer salad with ten peppers

A classic that village cooks turn out from June to October. Quick, refreshing and easy on the wallet.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 10 fresh peppers (a mix of red, yellow, green)
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
• salt, pepper, parsley

Method:

• Slice the peppers into thin strips.
• Crush or finely chop the garlic.
• Combine all ingredients in a bowl, add olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.
• Leave to rest for 10 minutes so the flavours come together.

Prep time around 12 minutes. Cost for 4 people roughly 350 to 500 dinars (3 to 4.30 EUR).

2. Air-fryer courgettes with parmesan

If you have an air fryer at home, this is the ideal summer meal that does not heat up the kitchen. If not, the oven at 200 degrees works just as well.

Ingredients (serves 2):

• 2 medium courgettes
• 50 g of grated parmesan
• 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• salt, pepper, dried oregano

Method:

• Wash the courgettes and slice them lengthways into 1 cm strips.
• Combine the parmesan, breadcrumbs and seasoning.
• Brush the courgettes with olive oil and coat with the parmesan mix.
• Cook in the air fryer at 180 degrees for 10 minutes, until golden.

Around 5 minutes of prep plus 10 minutes of cooking. Cost around 250 dinars (2.15 EUR) for two.

3. Cold cucumber and yoghurt soup

Inspired by Greek tzatziki and Bulgarian tarator. Ideal for hot days.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 4 medium cucumbers
• 500 g of Greek yoghurt
• 2 garlic cloves
• a handful of fresh dill or mint
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• juice of half a lemon, salt

Method:

• Peel and coarsely grate the cucumbers, salt them and leave for 5 minutes to release water.
• In a bowl, combine yoghurt, garlic, dill, oil and lemon juice.
• Add the drained cucumbers, stir thoroughly.
• Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Prep 10 minutes plus chilling. Cost for 4 around 500 dinars (4.30 EUR).

4. Quick Serbian ajvar from fresh peppers (mini version)

The classic version cooks for hours, but for a weeknight a shorter version with the same flavour profile works fine.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 6 red bell peppers
• 2 aubergines
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves
• salt, pepper

Method:

• Wash the peppers and aubergines, brush with oil and roast at 220 degrees.
• Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, until the skins start to split.
• Cool, peel, and crush with a fork (not a blender, you want texture).
• Stir in the garlic, salt, pepper and the rest of the olive oil.

Active prep 10 minutes, total time including roasting 40 minutes. Cost around 450 dinars (3.90 EUR).

5. Strawberry cup with mint and honey

The simplest dessert that puts the first May and June strawberries to work.

Ingredients (serves 4): 500 g fresh strawberries, 2 tablespoons of real honey, fresh mint leaves, juice of half a lemon.

Method: Wash the strawberries, remove the stems and halve them. Coat with honey and lemon juice. Leave for 10 minutes so the juices come out. Serve with mint leaves.

Prep 5 minutes plus 10 to rest. Cost for 4 around 400 dinars (3.45 EUR) if you buy the strawberries at the market in season.

A practical tip for the market

The best time to shop for seasonal produce in Belgrade and Novi Sad is early on a Saturday morning. After 11 a.m., prices are 15 to 20 per cent higher.

Ask the seller where the produce comes from. Red bell peppers in May often mean imports from Turkey or North Macedonia, not local in-season produce.

What is your favourite seasonal recipe? Share it in the comments.