Corn and Coconut Soup, But Make It Lazy

Hi! This is a different Emily (Fleischaker) than usual. I’m a deputy editor on the food and cooking desk, filling in for Emily Weinstein.

A co-worker recently used the phrase “spiritually out-of-office” to describe the vibe of summer. (Our boss was in the meeting when this happened, so I’m not blowing up my co-worker’s spot, I swear.)

That slowing-down feeling applies to weeknight cooking, too. It’s hot. It’s vacation season. I say it’s normal to crave a few extra shortcuts and a little more time on the couch.

Below are some ideas (should I call them confessions?) to alter recipes when cooking dinner feels like scaling a six-foot wall.

A note of warning: These recipes simply won’t be as delicious as initially written. But they will still be much better than ordering overpriced takeout, and can help you manifest the lazy summer you deserve.

1. Spicy Corn and Coconut Soup

Make it lazy: Use frozen corn kernels. Slice or grate the garlic instead of mincing. Don’t bother peeling the ginger. Use crushed red pepper flakes instead of slicing a fresh chile. If you’re really pressed, don’t even blend it, but in that case, be sure to really shake or whisk the coconut milk before adding. And toppings? Optional.

View this recipe.

5. Mahi ba Somagh (Sumac Roasted Fish)

Make it lazy: This recipe will work with any kind of fish. If a butterflied trout isn’t happening for you, use a filet of anything you may have — tilapia, halibut, salmon — and adjust the oven time to the filet’s thickness. Serve with couscous, the laziest grain.