It’s summertime! What better time to grill?
Grilling is a great way to make a meal with minimal fuss, and you can use your grill to cook a variety of dishes. From vegetables to kebabs, grilling can provide a variety of options to your meal.
Grilling is a great way to cook food. It’s healthy, it tastes good, and it’s easy to do. But there are some things that you might not have thought of grilling before. Here are seven unexpected things that you can grill for a delicious and nutritious meal.
About Grilling
Grilling is an outdoor cooking technique that can be used with a variety of foods. It originated in Europe and spread to North America by the 19th century. Grilling usually involves a hot surface, such as an open flame or grates over which food is placed to cook. The food may be cooked directly from above, below, or from either side.
There are several benefits to grilling food. Grilling can help to retain nutrients that may be lost during other cooking methods, such as boiling or frying. Grilling can also provide a unique flavor to food that cannot be replicated with other methods.
Types of Grills
There are two main types of grills: charcoal and gas.
Charcoal grills use charcoal as their heat source. The charcoal is placed in a metal grill or a fire pit and allowed to heat until it becomes glowing embers. The food is then placed on the grill, and the lid is closed to trap in the heat.
The benefits of charcoal grilling include a more intense flavor and the ability to control the level of heat more accurately. The downside is that it can be more difficult to regulate the temperature and may take longer to heat up.
Gas grills use either natural gas or propane as their heat source. The gas is turned on and ignited, and the food is cooked on the grates over the heat.
Gas grills are more convenient than charcoal grills, as they are easier to start and require less effort to maintain a consistent temperature. However, they may not provide as much flavor as charcoal grills.
Smoking
Smoking is a type of grilling that uses wood chips to flavor the food. The wood chips are placed on the heat source, and the food is cooked over the smoke.
Smoking can provide a more intense flavor than other grilling methods, as well as a unique smoky flavor. Pat of Pat’s Bar and Grill says “It is important to choose the right type of wood chips for the desired flavor”. Some great hardwoods to consider for your smoker are pecan, hickory, mesquite, and oak.
Unexpected Foods That Are Great to Grill
Here are seven unexpected things you can grill:
Fruit
You can grill fruit for a sweet and savory dish. Try grilling peaches, pineapple, or watermelon. You can also grill pears, apples, and oranges.
Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a healthy and delicious option. Try grilling corn on the cob, zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, or
Cheese
Cheese is a great option for grilling. Try grilling mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss cheese. You can also grill Brie, Camembert, and goat cheese.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a great option for grilling. You can fill them with anything you like, such as cheese, vegetables, meat, or beans.
Pizza
You can grill pizza for a unique and delicious flavor. Try grilling a store-bought pizza or making your own dough from scratch.
Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a healthy and delicious option. Try grilling corn on the cob, zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, or peppers.
Olives
Grilled olives are a great appetizer or side dish. Try grilling whole olives, stuffed olives, or sliced olives. To grill, simply place on skewer and cook over the grill.
Safety Precautions
There are a few safety precautions to keep in mind when grilling. First, always make sure that the grill is clean before cooking. Food can stick to dirty grills and cause contamination.
Second, be careful of flare-ups. If the grease from the food catches fire, it can spread quickly. Keep a spray bottle of water handy to douse the flames.
Third, be sure to keep an eye on the temperature of the grill. The heat can vary depending on the type of grill and the amount of charcoal or gas used. Check the food often to prevent burning.
Finally, make sure to keep children and pets away from the grill. The grill can get very hot and cause serious injuries.
With these safety precautions in mind, grilling can be a fun and delicious way to cook your food.
Adding the Final Touches for Your Cookout
Trying these items can be a great way to mix-up the flavor at your next cookout.
Including fruits and vegetables as grill options can provide a natural sweetness to your savory dishes.
Cheese is also great to have on-hand as it provides a number of different flavors that can be paired with other grilled items.
Some additional items to include with your grilled items include:
Sides: You will of course need some side dishes. Many of the items mentioned can be grilled and make perfect side items such as corn on the cob, mushrooms, and peppers. Choose a couple of these or mix and match with some salads or other favorite sides.
Dips: No cookout is complete without some delicious dips. Try a ranch dip, guacamole, or salsa to accompany your grilled foods.
Drinks: Don’t forget the drinks! To really wow guests, try your hand at making homebrewing. For a non-alcoholic option, try a fruit punch or lemonade.
Dessert: After all of this grilling, you will need something sweet. A grilled fruit is always a good option. You could also try making s’mores or cookies over the fire.
With these final touches, your cookout is sure to be a success!
Final Thoughts
Grilling is a great way to cook food. It can help to retain nutrients, provide unique flavors, and be a fun activity. Keep in mind some safety precautions when grilling, such as keeping the grill clean and being careful of flare-ups. Try grilling some unexpected things for your next meal!
