When was the last time you thought about a nectarine recipe idea? Nectarines are a summer fruit in North America and reach their peak in July and August. A smooth-skinned variety of the peach, nectarines can be white or yellow fleshed, free-stoned or cling-stoned. Macki West, a food writer at Babble.com confessed that she likes to substitute nectarines when she sees recipes that call for the more popular peach. “Nectarines vs Peaches. I’m in the nectarine corner wearing my team nectarine shirt. Why? Because they taste better, they don’t have the fuzzy skin, which makes me itch and the pits are smaller and smooth. Ok, they may taste almost the same as peaches, but I just like them better.”
White nectarines have a more delicate, sweeter flavor than the yellow ones do, and although they can be used in any peach recipe, their smooth skin makes them more appealing with tomatoes for instance in a sweet or savory salad, or served warm when baked or grilled. So here are 10 recipes for nectarines you would have never thought of using them for—and that will turn your meals into something sweetly out of the ordinary.
1. Nectarine Cobbler
Have you actually met someone who does not like cobbler? With just four cups of sliced nectarines, this not-too-sweet summer dessert is best served warm, with a giant scoop of your favorite brand of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whole fat Greek yogurt for the weight watchers.
Read Related: 10 Unexpected Ways to Serve Peaches
2. Garlicky Grilled Calamari and Nectarine Salad
With some fresh calamari and in-season nectarines this will be your Mediterranean inspired go-to meal this summer. Just whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cumin, turmeric, Garam masala and red chile flakes, season the calamari, slice the nectarines, and serve over a bed of fresh salad.
3. Scallops and Nectarines
Fruit served with seafood? Yes! And if you love scallops as much as we do, this recipe starring some succulent nectarines just screams “summer.” You’ll need some butter, parsley, garlic and the best and coldest white wine to accompany it.
4. Baked Nectarines with Greek Yogurt and Honey
This is one of our favorite nectarine recipe ideas. Have a sweet tooth, but don’t want to indulge in all the calories? Grab yourself a pint of the best Greek yogurt and toss some fresh nectarines into the oven and serve them up with some honey and crushed almonds. Healthy and delicious.
5. Nectarine Chutney
If you plan to entertain a lot this summer, storing jars of jam-like nectarine chutney will solve a lot pre-party planning worries. Spread this spicy & sweet chutney over cured meats or serve with pâtés and cheeses. Pour into sterilized jars, seal, and keep in a cool, dark place (or the fridge).
6. Nectarine-Raspberry Crisp with Quinoa-Almond Topping
Tart raspberries and sweet nectarines are a great combo, and this gluten- and dairy-free crisp topped with almonds and quinoa flakes, has a to-die-for crunchy texture and taste. Sweeten it with maple sugar and substitute butter for coconut oil for that old fashioned pie flavor.
7. Bourbon-Nectarine Ice Cream Sundaes with Pound-Cake Croutons
Just because you may be too old to eat ice cream sundaes, doesn’t mean you can’t be creative about how you secretly indulge in them. Cook those juicy nectarines in bourbon, serve with buttery pound-cake croutons and serve it up in medium sized water glasses for a non-kiddie look.
8. Spiced Rice with Nectarines
Sometimes, a piece of fresh fish or chicken, is made ten times more interesting when it’s served with an original tasting rice dish. This lovely looking and tasting spiced rice dish features nectarines and calls for cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, lemon, sliced almonds and chopped dill.
9. Grilled Chicken with Nectarine, Red Onion, and Basil Relish
This light and summery main course requires two fresh nectarines, a handful of basil leaves, and red onion. After you’ve grilled the chicken in salt and pepper, spoon this delectable relish over the chicken and serve over a bed of rice pilaf or salad greens.
10. Baked Nectarines with Pistachio
If you’re avoiding carbs, this unique dessert requires that you slice nectarines in half, lay the cut sides up, and place them on a baking sheet with a crunchy pistachio mixture filled with almond extract, lemon, sugar, and crème fraiche. Nutty-fruity elegance.
Photos 2, 4, 6, & 8 courtesy of Food Network.com
