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    Cooking Gorgeous » MSN Posts

    Dinners for Days When It's Too Hot to Cook

    Published: Aug 13, 2026 by Ayla Clulee

    This collection of Dinners for Days When It's Too Hot to Cook is perfect for this week's heat, when turning on the oven is the last thing anyone fancies. It brings together quick one-pan dishes like Turkish chicken sauté, a cold Circassian chicken, crisp no-cook salads and a couple of air fryer sides, ideal for keeping the kitchen cool while still putting a proper dinner on the table. Don't forget to save this list for the next hot spell.

    Chicken Sauté - Turkish Tavuk Sote

    Ayla Clulee

    Chicken pieces are seared, then simmered briefly with peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes in one pan on the hob. It comes together fast and reheats well the next day.

    To learn more: Chicken Sauté - Turkish Tavuk Sote Recipe

    Chicken Stir Fry With Noodles

    chicken stir fry noodles
    Ayla Clulee

    Chicken, vegetables and noodles are tossed together in a hot wok for a fast dinner that never goes near the oven. A splash of soy sauce finishes it off, all in one pan.

    To learn more: Chicken Stir Fry With Noodles

    Çerkez Tavuğu (Circassian Chicken)

    Cerkez tavugu
    Ayla Clulee

    Poached, shredded chicken is folded through a creamy walnut and garlic sauce, then served cold or at room temperature. It's a Circassian classic that suits a warm evening especially well.

    To learn more: Çerkez Tavuğu (Circassian Chicken)

    Çoban Salatası Recipe (Turkish Shepherd's Salad)

    turkish shepherd salad (Coban Salatasi) served in a bowl as a side dish
    Ayla Clulee

    Juicy summer tomatoes, cucumbers and green peppers are chopped and tossed with a simple dressing. It's light and refreshing, and with bread and cheese it easily stands in for dinner on a hot night.

    To learn more: Çoban Salatası Recipe (Turkish Shepherd's Salad)

    Sigara Boregi (Turkish Cheese Rolls)

    Ayla Clulee

    Thin yufka pastry is rolled around a feta and parsley filling into little cigars, then fried until golden and crisp. A few of these with a salad make a light dinner in minutes.

    To learn more: Sigara Boregi (Turkish Cheese Rolls)

    Air Fryer BBQ Cauliflower Wings

    A plate of air fried cauliflower wings with sauce.
    Ayla Clulee

    Cauliflower florets turn crispy in the air fryer and get tossed in a smoky barbecue sauce. They're a fun vegan bite that keeps the kitchen cool.

    To learn more: Air Fryer BBQ Cauliflower Wings


    Extra Crispy Halloumi Fries

    Ayla Clulee

    Strips of halloumi are coated in flour, egg and breadcrumbs, then fried until golden with a warm, gooey centre. Serve them with a cooling dip and a pile of salad.

    To learn more: Extra Crispy Halloumi Fries

    Air Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes

    Ayla Clulee

    Potatoes are cooked, filled with a creamy, cheesy mash and crisped up again, all in the air fryer. They're filling enough for dinner with a green salad on the side.

    To learn more: Air Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes

    Turkish Acili Ezme Salad

    Ayla Clulee

    Finely chopped tomatoes, peppers and onion come together with pomegranate molasses in this spicy no-cook Turkish salad. Scoop it up with warm flatbread or serve it next to anything grilled.

    To learn more: Turkish Acili Ezme Salad

    Icli Kofte (Turkish Kibbeh)

    kibbeh balls cut in half and served with salad
    Ayla Clulee

    Crisp bulgur shells are filled with spiced minced meat and onion, then fried until deep golden. Serve them with lemon wedges and a chopped salad for a proper Turkish treat.

    To learn more: Icli Kofte (Turkish Kibbeh) Recipe

    More MSN Posts

    • Chilled Desserts and Cool Drinks to Beat the Heat
    • 10 Make-Ahead Cold Lunches for Hot August Days
    • Recipes to Use Up a Glut of Summer Vegetables
    • Lazy Weekend Breakfast to Make This Summer

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    Welcome to Cooking Gorgeous, where delicious easy-to-follow recipes and culinary inspiration await you! My name is Ayla Clulee, a passionate and professional Cordon Bleu-trained chef, recipe developer, and food content creator with decades of experience. I am based in the UK, and I'm thrilled to have you here.

    The kitchen is my happy place and cooking is my therapy.

    More about me →

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