It is so ridiculously hot outside! Sometimes swimming in the pool or turning on the fan is just not enough. For that reason, your biggest meal of the day should be refreshing; to keep you cool during these sizzling summer months. But why stop there? Let's make it an international meal to keep the spirit of the 2016 Rio Olympics alive. Without further ado, here is a simple, fresh, and delicious meal to try out this summer.
Brazil Pão de Queijo
We can't have an Olympic meal without the host of the games! Here we have small cheese-infused bread rounds as a delicious appetizer. Their unique flavor brings people from all over the world down to Brazil. The plus side to this dish is that it's gluten free (yay for Celiac disease friendly treats)!
Vietnamese Bánh mì
In celebration of Vietnam's third gold medal since it first joined the Olympics, here is a sandwich that surpasses every other sandwich I've tried. It's traditionally served on a Vietnamese bread which, ironically, is the name of the sandwich that roughly translates into wheat bread. The extremely fluffy bun on top of crisp veggies and succulent meats, makes this dish ideal for the summer. The best part of this sandwich is that it can be made with any mix of vegetables and meats and the flavor is stil superb.
Central American Watermelon Agua Fresca
The ultimate drink for these hot summer days. It's so simple to make and you can actually use any type of fruit instead of watermelon (but watermelon is so good!). Put it in a bowl to share with everyone while watching your country compete or drink it to cool yourself down after getting into a heated cheering session. This has just the right amount of refreshing mint and melon to get your vocals ready to cheer on your team.
Caribbean Cous Cous Salad
The flavors of the world are so evident in this colorful plate. Take your palate on a trip with just one bite of this Caribbean couscous. The perfect side dish for the Bánh mì; this pasta is light and tasty. Although this mix of fruit and vegetables is based on a Caribbean flavor, couscous is native to North Africa and it's eaten differently all over the world. Since the Olympics celebrate the world, this dish will also celebrate the world.
Korean Patbingsu
Since a selfie of a North and South Korean Olympian went viral recently, here is a Korean dessert to enjoy. A traditional dish that literally translates into red beans and shaved ice. This refreshing snack is not only super cheap, but it's also easy to put together. The scrumptious plate usually consists of shaved ice, red beans, fruit, ice cream, and condensed milk. Although it originally calls for red adzuki beans, it's not a complete necessity. Nowadays, many people just omit the beans and call it "bingsu!" Grab the season's freshest fruits and last night's leftover ice cream to make this delectable dessert.
