Sure Costa Rica is known for its bountiful tropical fruits, but have you ever tried them grilled?
Newsflash! Your grill can do more than BBQ meats. Grilling fruit brings out flavors while caramelizing the natural sugars inside. Add to a sandwich, a salad, or eat the grilled fruit on its own.
Get started with one of these quick but delicious grilled fruit recipes.
1. Savory Grilled Watermelon Steaks
Brush the watermelon slices generously with olive oil then place on the prepared grill with sprigs of fresh rosemary. Grill on each side for 2-3 minutes.
When finished, place the watermelon on a plate, drizzle on some balsamic cream, then serve with a feta and pine nut salad. Bon apetit! (HalloSunny)
2. Refreshing Lemon Basil Grilled Melon
Cut melon into slices, brush with oil then place on the grill. Cook with leaves of fresh lemon basil. For an added zing, marinate the melons first in lemon juice before grilling.
3. Delectable Grilled Pineapple
Cut a fresh pineapple into ½ inch or 1¼ cm rings. Dip each slice lightly in brown or raw cane sugar, then grill for several minutes on each side. Serve it on its own as a juicy side, or add to your favorite burger for some extra flavor!
Already have your pineapple sliced smaller? Try adding pineapple cubes between shrimp with some sweet bell pepper for sweet and spicy kabobs!
4. Banana S’mores
Cook this sweet treat at home in the oven, on the grill or away at a campfire. To begin, slice a peeled whole banana lengthwise into two halves. Next, cut each half partially down the middle to create a small opening. In that opening, place mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. Wrap the banana halves in tinfoil and cook for 5-6 minutes (add time placed in the oven). When finished, unwrap the gooey dessert and top with crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch™ or a similar cereal. (Girl Who Ate Everything via Tablespoon)
5. Grilled Peach Sundae
Slice peaches in half, remove the pit, but leave the skin on for easier grilling. Brush with oil, and grill until golden brown.
While the peaches are on the grill, mix together:
- 1 stick of unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon sugar
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- a pinch of salt
Remove the peaches from the grill. Top each with a few teaspoons of the cinnamon sugar butter, then garnish with mint leaves. Serve with vanilla ice cream, and enjoy! (Bobby Flay via The Food Network)
Other Grilled Fruits To Try
- apples
- strawberries
- figs
- plums
- coconut
According to Around My Family Table, there are countless ways to grill fruit. Before the sizzle, you can dip the fruit in sugar for some extra sweetness, add herbs and spices for a savory twist, or even marinade it for 30 minutes before.
Whatever your choice, always start with a clean, well-oiled grill. Also, it helps to cook at high heat first so as to caramelize the outsides and lock-in flavor. Finally, choose fruit that is ripe (but still firm) and leave the skin on to help hold it together.
Happy grilling!