Skip to content

Top Navigation

Midwest Living Midwest Living
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Home
  • Garden
  • Holidays
  • Videos
  • current issue
  • Sweepstakes
  • Road Rally
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Win Your Dream Getaway!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Magazine Issues
  • Destinations
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Midwest Living

Midwest Living Midwest Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Fresh Places to Eat, Drink, Play and Stay This Winter

      7 Fresh Places to Eat, Drink, Play and Stay This Winter

      Hot off the minds of Midwest travel writers: a fresh look at where to eat, drink, play and stay around the region. Read More
    • Meet Five Midwest Cake Creators (and Try Their Recipes)

      Meet Five Midwest Cake Creators (and Try Their Recipes)

      One has conquered the world of plant-based baking. Another runs a microbakery from her home. Two own businesses with their spouses. And the fifth is a James Beard finalist chef. The common thread? Absolutely delicious cakes. Read More
    • The No-Fail Relish Tray Recipe is Here

      The No-Fail Relish Tray Recipe is Here

      For many Midwesterners, holiday feasting kicks off with a relish tray. We dare not mess with an icon—at least, not too much. Read More
  • Travel

    Travel

    See All Travel
    Why Wisconsin Supper Clubs Just Keep Getting Better With Age

    Why Wisconsin Supper Clubs Just Keep Getting Better With Age

    At Wisconsin supper clubs, the steak is served rare and the traditions are well done. Like the brandy in an Old-Fashioned, these timeless institutions only get better with age.
    • Weekend Getaways
    • Family Travel
    • Around the Region
    • Beyond the Region
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Missouri
    • Nebraska
    • North Dakota
    • Ohio
    • South Dakota
    • Wisconsin
    • Free Travel Info
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food
    Tomatoey Parmesan Beans

    Tomatoey Parmesan Beans

    This sleeper hit of a weeknight dinner comes from Food Network star Molly Yeh's cookbook Home is Where the Eggs Are—and is basically a vehicle for Parmesan and garlic toast. No complaints! (The alternate version, with ham and cream, is excellent too.)
    • Comfort Foods
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Breakfast
    • Quick & Easy
    • Chicken
    • Soups & Stews
    • Midwest Favorites
    • Fruits & Vegetables
    • Fish
    • Grilling
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    Avid DIYers Transform a 1929 Chicago Home One Project at a Time

    Avid DIYers Transform a 1929 Chicago Home One Project at a Time

    With visions of dinner parties and game nights dancing in their heads, a Chicago couple renovated their historic (and first) home, one DIY project at a time.
    • Quick Decorating
    • Featured Homes
    • Organizing & Storage
    • Outdoor Living
    • Seasonal Decorating
    • Room Decorating
  • Garden

    Garden

    See All Garden
    How to Care for Flowering Houseplants

    How to Care for Flowering Houseplants

    Author Lisa Eldred Steinkopf shares how to make blooms last longer—and repeat.
    • Container Gardens
    • Flowers
    • Featured Gardens
    • Midwest Gardening Calendar
    • Garden Ideas & Inspiration
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    Unique Midwest Light Displays to See This Winter

    Unique Midwest Light Displays to See This Winter

    Buses, trains and very few automobiles—check out these out-of-the-ordinary holiday lights displays.
    • Easter
    • July 4th
    • Thanksgiving
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
    • Valentine's Day
  • Videos

    Videos

    See All Videos
    Chef Jorge Guzmán's Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tamales

    Chef Jorge Guzmán's Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tamales

    Tamales are a project, but many hands—even tiny ones—make lighter work.
    • Brighten Your Front Door with This Colorful Easter Egg Wreath
    • These DIY Orange Beeswax Candles Will Make Your Home Smell Amazing
    • Ring in the New Year with This Glam Star Garland
    • How to Make a Modern Fruit Cake Box
    • An Eye-Catching Oval Treat Box You Can Make
    • Make a Colorful Paper Raffia Wreath to Welcome Fall
    • How to Make a Dried Floral Arrangement
    • How to Make an Easy Pina Colada
    • How to Make an Amazing Pavlova
    • How to Make Pumpkin-Spice Icebox Cake
    • How to Make an All-Butter Pie Crust
    • DIY Pistachio Wheat Stalks for Fall Decorating
  • current issue

    current issue

    See All current issue
    About Us

    About Us

    • March/April 2022 Issue
    • January/February 2022 Issue
    • November/December 2021 Issue
    • September/October 2021 Issue
    • July/August 2021 Issue
    • May/June 2021 Issue
    • Summer 2022 Issue
    • Fall 2022 Issue
    • Winter 2022 Issue
  • Sweepstakes
  • Road Rally
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Win Your Dream Getaway!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Magazine Issues
  • Destinations
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Midwest Living
  2. Food
  3. Midwest Living July/August 2021 Recipes

Midwest Living July/August 2021 Recipes

Hannah Agran Author Headshot
By Hannah Agran June 11, 2021
Skip gallery slides
Pin
West African Grilled Chicken
Credit: CARSON DOWNING

Find top recipes from immigrant chefs, state fair blue-ribbon winners, fresh ideas for watermelon, a jammy blueberry pie and a mouthwatering BLT  in our latest issue.

Start Slideshow

1 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

West African Grilled Chicken in Tomato Sauce

West African Grilled Chicken
Credit: CARSON DOWNING
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

At Okra African Grill in Omaha, Togolese chef Nina Sodji serves this spicy anise-flavored chicken over rice. Her favorite sides: sauteed lightly seasoned bell peppers and Fried Plantains (recipe included). For extra kick, add the West African Green Pepper Sauce.

1 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Coffee and Spice Grilled Ribeye

Coffee and Spice Grilled Ribeye
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In a collaboration with a local coffee roaster that's also informed by his Hmong heritage, Minneapolis chef Yia Vang developed this earthy, spicy steak rub. Resist the urge to trim your steaks, he says. Fat dripping into the fire triggers smoke, which ramps up flavor.

2 of 22

3 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mojito Bars

Mojito Bars
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Jacob Van Patten pours a refreshing summer cocktail into his creative take on lemon bars, which took the overall blue ribbon at the Iowa State Fair.

3 of 22

Advertisement

4 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Watermelon Poke Bowl

Watermelon Poke Bowl
Credit: Brie Passano
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This version of a Hawaiian poke bowl swaps marinated watermelon for the raw fish. It's an incredibly light and fresh summer dinner—and so pretty!

4 of 22

5 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bean and Cheese Pupusas

Bean and Cheese Pupuas With Red Salsa and Curtido
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The standard-bearer of Salvadoran food, a pupusa is a flat, pan-fried pocket of corn dough traditionally stuffed with cheese, beans or meat, then served with mild salsa and curtido (a tangy cabbage slaw). Maria and Juan Vasquez serve them with and without meat at their 3 in 1 Restaurant in Indianapolis.

5 of 22

6 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Coconut Chocolate Squares

Coconut Chocolate Squares
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Orange marmalade is a nice surprise in these rich (and ribbon-winning) bars created by Iowa State Fair entrant Marianne Carlson.

6 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Watermelon Ginger Granita

Watermelon Ginger Granita
Credit: Brie Passano
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Fresh lime and ginger take watermelon's flavor up a notch. Make this icy treat when you'll be home all day. It's super easy, but you need to scrape it a few times over the course of a few hours.

7 of 22

8 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Syrian Hummus

Syrian Hummus
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The secret to super-creamy hummus? Ice cubes and cold water, says Mawda Altayan of the St. Louis catering company Damascus Food.

8 of 22

9 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemon Sugar Cookies

Lemon Sugar Cookies
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The light lemon flavor gives these sparkling sugar cookies a little special twist. Judy Kiburz Harrison's recipe won best-in-class at the Iowa State Fair.

9 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grilled Watermelon and Arugula Salad

Grilled Watermelon and Arugula Salad
Credit: Brie Passano
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Two things make this grilled watermelon amazing. High heat draws out moisture and intensifies watermelon's sweetness, and the rub creates additional caramelization for even deeper flavor notes.

10 of 22

11 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grilled Squash in Cilantro, Lime and Fish Sauce

Grilled Squash in Cilantro, Lime and Fish Sauce
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Minneapolis chef Yia Vang draws on his Hmong heritage in this simple side, dressing charred zucchini and yellow squash in a sweet-tart dressing that has funky umami notes from fish sauce. (Use it again in winter on your roasted Brussels sprouts.)

11 of 22

12 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Harvest Apple Bars

Harvest Apple Bars
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Tammy Post's Iowa State Fair blue-ribbon recipe doesn't skimp on apples, which results in incredibly moist and indulgent bars.

12 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Birchwood BLT

Birchwood BLT
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Tracy Singleton, owner of the Birchwood Cafe in Minneapolis, combines summer's greatest hits—heirloom tomatoes, basil and sweet corn—in what she calls "a kitchen sink sandwich."

13 of 22

14 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Jammy Blueberry Pie

Jammy Blueberry Pie
Credit: Jason Donnelly
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The extra steps of prebaking both berries and pastry pay off: The filling is potent, and the bottom crust cracker-crisp.

14 of 22

15 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pepparkakor

Pepparkakor
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Kim Van Patten says these Swedish spice cookies are popular at Christmas. Heart shapes are traditional to encourage kindness and sweetness. It certainly is nice that her Iowa State Fair blue-ribbon winners are mixed up in one saucepan!

15 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tamarind Juice

Tamarind Juice
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This refreshing, delicately floral drink features the tart tropical fruit tamarind, plus rose water. In St. Louis chef Mawda Altayan's native Syria, the drink is a household staple and sold by street vendors.

16 of 22

17 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Blue-Ribbon Ranger Cookies

Blue-Ribbon Ranger Cookies
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Ranger cookies are made with rolled oats and cereal. Judy Kiburz Harrison won best-in-class at the Iowa State Fair for her version, which adds Beer Nuts for a peanutty twist.

17 of 22

18 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Curtido

Curtido
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This crunchy oil-free slaw is like a quick-pickle and a must-serve with the Salvadoran pupusas that Maria and Juan Vasquez serve at 3 in 1 Restaurant in Indianapolis.

18 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Scandinavian Almond Bars

Scandinavian Almond Bars
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Perennial Iowa State Fair ribbon-winner Robin Tarbell-Thomas' buttery best-in-class bars are loaded with almond flavor.

19 of 22

20 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Red Salsa

Red Salsa
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This is a mild Salvadoran-style salsa, where most of the flavor comes from tomatoes, so choose the ripest, reddest ones you can find. It is the traditional topper for pupusas, the specialty at 3 in 1 Restaurant in Indianapolis.

20 of 22

21 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fried Plantains

Fried Plantains
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Fried sweet plantains are a staple across Latin America and Africa. This method comes from chef Nina Sodji, of Okra African Grill in Omaha. who serves them as a side dish to her West African Grilled Chicken in Tomato Sauce.

21 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

West African Green Pepper Sauce

West African Green Pepper Sauce
Credit: Carson Downing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Be warned: Even with green bell peppers, this condiment, which Nina Sodji serves at her Okra African Grill in Omaha, has serious bite. It's delicious as a dipper for her Fried Plantains or topping for West African Grilled Chicken in Tomato Sauce.

22 of 22

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Hannah Agran

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 22 West African Grilled Chicken in Tomato Sauce
    2 of 22 Coffee and Spice Grilled Ribeye
    3 of 22 Mojito Bars
    4 of 22 Watermelon Poke Bowl
    5 of 22 Bean and Cheese Pupusas
    6 of 22 Coconut Chocolate Squares
    7 of 22 Watermelon Ginger Granita
    8 of 22 Syrian Hummus
    9 of 22 Lemon Sugar Cookies
    10 of 22 Grilled Watermelon and Arugula Salad
    11 of 22 Grilled Squash in Cilantro, Lime and Fish Sauce
    12 of 22 Harvest Apple Bars
    13 of 22 Birchwood BLT
    14 of 22 Jammy Blueberry Pie
    15 of 22 Pepparkakor
    16 of 22 Tamarind Juice
    17 of 22 Blue-Ribbon Ranger Cookies
    18 of 22 Curtido
    19 of 22 Scandinavian Almond Bars
    20 of 22 Red Salsa
    21 of 22 Fried Plantains
    22 of 22 West African Green Pepper Sauce

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Midwest Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Help
    • Free Newsletters this link opens in a new tab
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Renew this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Affiliate Program
    • Free Travel Info this link opens in a new tab
    • Special Promotions this link opens in a new tab
    • Sweepstakes this link opens in a new tab
    • Video
    • Home Advisor this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMidwest Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Midwest Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.midwestliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Midwest Living July/August 2021 Recipes
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.