This summer, why not try expanding your grilling experiences and make something other than burgers, plain chicken and hot dogs? Sure, those are easy, and they are great ways for beginners to start out, but the grill is a versatile cooking station. Read on for a few ideas to help you broaden your grilling horizons.
When you think of grilling, you probably think of meats sizzling over an open flame, but your grill can accommodate much more than just meat. The right vegetables really show off their best flavors with a kiss of flame, and some fruits deserve the heat treatment too. But before you start throwing lettuce and bananas over the coals, try some of the following.
1. Grill Asparagus this Summer
Asparagus is working its way out of a decades-long episode of bad PR. This is mostly because the texture is a little different, and a lot of people cooked it really badly for a long time.
Right the wrongs of previous vegetable missteps and get the following:
- Heavy duty aluminum foil
- Olive oil or butter
- Garlic
- Lemon Pepper
- Fresh Asparagus
Yup, that’s it. Wash and then assemble a layer of fresh, green asparagus on a large piece of aluminum foil. Brush them with olive oil or rub some softened butter on them. Season by adding a light sprinkle of minced garlic and a dash of lemon pepper, too. An optional touch of salt will magnify flavors too.
Fold the aluminum up into a neat packet—which may require another sheet of foil—and throw it on a hot grill. The butter or olive oil will pop and sizzle inside for a minute or two before the veggies are ready. Careful of hot oil when you open it!
2. Grill Pineapple and Watermelon this Summer
Pineapple is the fruit that opened the doors for other grilled fruit. It’s a classic because its dense texture holds up well when cooked and heated. You might think watermelon is too watery to grill, but it isn’t. Sure, a lot of water cooks off, but throwing a thick slab of watermelon on the grill changes the flavor and texture into something new. It’s done when you see grill lines on both sides, there’s not much more to it than that.
3. Grill Fish this Summer
Another word of caution with this one, most fish won’t hold up to direct contact with the grill. Pack simple seasonings like salt, cracked pepper, lemon juice, dill, paprika, and garlic powder with filets of salmon or white fish into durable foil packets—like the asparagus recipe above—and let it cook. Be sure to open the foil and check every few minutes to make sure the meat gets cooked through.
Maui Pumping is Here for your Summer Septic Needs
If you have planned to have your septic system pumped, inspected or maintained this summer, it’s time to call Maui Pumping. We service the entire island of Maui and can help keep your waste management system up-to-date and efficient.