5 healthy recipes using late-summer produce

Make the most of the last of summer with these easy, healthy recipes.

We’re entering the last month of summer, which means there’s only so much time left for al-fresco evening dining and impromptu BBQ get-togethers. So now is the perfect opportunity to make hay while the sun shines – especially if said hay is actually a banquet of delicious, nutritious food.

These five recipes foreground the sublime taste of the fruits and vegetables at their peak in late summer. From earthy eggplant and okra, through to sweet berries – these dishes showcase the dynamic range of flavours Australian produce offers.

Eggplant is one of the most versatile vegetables. It’s delicious in a myriad of ways and can easily replace meat as the star of a dish. Try this eggplant curry – it’s a quick dish to throw together, and is sure to satisfy. Get the full recipe at Woolworths.

This recipe from SBS stars the often-overlooked okra, pairing its mild flavour with chicken and mint. Serve this simple dish on soft flatbread or pillowy rice, and don’t forget to brighten it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

You may think of the tomato as a simple fruit, but there are actually more than 10,000 documented varieties. Fortunately, you’ll only need a fraction of them for this summery salad. The horseradish in this dish really kicks the flavours up a notch, while the vinegar base mellows out some of the heat. You can find the recipe via Jamie Oliver.

Summer is sweetcorn season – and this vibrant vegetable doesn’t need many additions to shine. Our favourite preparation is the style favoured by Mexican street vendors, cooking the corn over coals and then brushing it with sour cream, chilli, and cheese. It’s simple, satisfying, and undeniably delicious. Check out the full recipe at Serious Eats.

Late summer is when berries are at their best in Australia, so why not embrace their bright, vivid flavours with this sorbet from Woolworths? Create your own mix of fruit to suit your tastes, and enjoy it on a sweltering summer evening.

Article 1: Recipe: Laura Henshaw’s choc-banana muffins
Article 2: Marika Day: a dietitian’s guide to plant-based protein
Article 3: 7 protein-packed veggie dishes

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances