Finally, summer is here! Bring on the warm summer days and light cooler nights. Aside from the sun one of the best parts of summer is the food. Whether that's ice cream or fresh summer strawberries, summer food is a favorite among many. The warm weather is practically inviting you to eat outside. Bring the food outside! Nothing beats a cookout or a barbecue. The aroma of food on the grill is a sure fire way to know that it's summer time. You can just dream of the smell of the food off the grill going around the neighborhood. Neighbors will be envious if they ever get a whiff of one of the things on this list. There's always a little bit of competition around the neighborhood over who's the best at grilling.
Here are some to die for recipes for whether you're a full fledged meat eater, vegetarian, vegan, or happy omnivore.
1. Yam burgers
Now before you judge, I was hesitant too, but these are delicious. They're not so much a burger so don't be expecting it. They're so delicious and not super mushy either. Especially if you really pan fry it to give it some crunch. They're sweet and so satisfying with some lightly salted avocado on top. Add some ciabatta bread that's been toasted and it's heaven. For some variation with flavors, consider hot sauce, added nutmeg and or cinnamon or a different kind of breadcrumb.
2. Grilled pineapple
The first time I had this was at an unbelievable Brazilian restaurant. They had meat on sticks and pineapple was paraded around just taunting you until you were ready for dessert. This recipe is as close as you can get. It's sugary and slightly tart. The caramelization is just what you're looking for.
3. Bacon and cheese stuffed hamburgers.
C'mon, how good does this sound?? Bacon, yes! Cheese, no brainer! It's all inside the burger so you can double up if you're looking for an extra cheesy bacon-y goodness. You could even add some blue cheese on it to co-mingle with the pre-existing cheese and bacon. Imagine everyone biting into their burger and having it become this ooey gooey bite of goodness
4. Asian style salad
This. This is the best salad I have ever had. It's crunchy, and light and fresh. The fun part is even though there are Ramen noodles, this isn't a pasta salad. The Ramen stays uncooked, which adds a nice crunch. Maybe take away the nuts to keep it tree nut allergy friendly, and instead add in tortilla strips or sesame seeds. The sesame oil and soy sauce with a little sugar is perfectly acidic with a little sweetness that goes a long way.
5. Grilled Peaches and portobello mushrooms
Two thumbs up from two different vegetarians in my life. Many people are familiar with the classic portobello mushroom burger with its Italian twist with a little basil and balsamic and some tomatoes, yum! But very few are aware at just how versatile the portobelo mushroom can be. Grill it with a peach and it's a completely different story. The peach becomes almost jam like to use as a spread and the portobello can absorb so much of the sweet flavor.
6. Taco Burgers
With the recent fads of easy Mexican food what better way to combine two favorites. It's no Chipotle or Moe's but it does a pretty good job of taking the crunch and flavor and simply trading a taco for a bun. Maybe try adding some hot peppers or hot sauce for a kick and the tiniest spread of sour cream to balance the heat.
7. Balsamic Zucchini
Cant you just smell it? The seasoning? The way the zucchini crisps but somewhat "melts" on the inside, with the grill lines could be an art form. Between how aesthetically pleasing it looks, the aroma, and the mixing of flavors, this zucchini is a real winner. Think of it as a distant cousin to when you have cucumbers on your balsamic vinaigrette salad.
8. Watermelon and feta.
Scary sounding, no? But I promise that this is delicious one you get over that it's feta cheese on a piece watermelon. We put other fruits and cheeses together, so why not watermelon? There's not really a recipe for this, seeing that all you need is to put some feta on some watermelon. Add salt to taste and you're good to go.
9. Apricot Barbecue Sauce.
Yum. This sauce can be put on any kind of chicken or pork you have. Similar in ways to a honey barbecue sauce but thinner and not as smokey. The sweetness from the honey and apricot blend well with the acidity of the vinegar and ketchup to make a new kind of balance for the sauce. Additionally this is very versatile and can be used with indoor meals as well, such as in a crock pot or baked in the oven.
There you have it, some new and unique barbecue must tries. The pickiest of eaters will be pleased with the multitude of choices and options. They're a little adventurous but I swear once you try them you'll be all for them!
