The sun is shining here at the Myakka office (well trying to shine) and as regular readers know, the two of the things the whole team has in common is food & eating and the great outdoors. So with this in mind with hopefully the weather on the up we have put down some of our favourite recipe ideas for the BBQ. No sausages and burgers here!Just because you’re eating outside doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dine in style, don’t forget you placemats, coasters and chair pads, you can even move some of your furniture outside for added comfort and luxury!
Mackerel Fillets with Lime and Soy Dressing
This is a lovely light summer recipe with a sauce that cuts through the richness of the mackerel (a very sustainable fish which is really good for us!)
In pan heat up a tea spoon of sugar, chopped root ginger, a tablespoon of both water and soy sauce and the juice of 1 lime until the sugar has all dissolved and set to one side. Lightly oil of the BBQ rack and the skin side of the mackerel fillet. Place on the hot BBQ grill for about 4 -5 minutes or until cooked all the way through – this does not take long. Serve with salad and the lime and soy sauce spooned over the top.
Chicken Kebabs
Kebabs are a favourite at BBQs; they are easy to make and cook and are always look so colourful on your plate. The best thing about them is that you can add anything you like to them.
For this recipe we are doing chicken and vegetables. Marinate some cut up chicken breast in red wine, garlic, onion and salt & pepper. Dice your chosen vegetable such as mushroom, tomatoes, courgette and peppers so they are evenly sized. If you are using wooden kebab sticks make sure you have soaked them for a few hours in water so they won’t catch alight! Now it is time to assemble, simply spike your chicken and vegetables to your stick, until it is full and then place on the BBQ until cooked all the way through. Delicious!
Why not try making a prawn kebab with the prawns marinated in a sweet chilli sauce.
Roasted Vegetables
To make a delicious and easy side dish, try these lovely roasted vegetables. Simply decide which vegetables you would like to include such as onion, tomatoes, peppers, courgette and aubergine and season and mix with a little olive oil. If you like you can add your favourite herbs or spices. Then either place into a foil tray (which are widely available during BBQ season) or if you’re like Liz in the Myakka office, a special BBQ roasting tray. Place on the BBQ and leave until cooked. Easy!
BBQ Baked Aubergine Dip
This delicious dip makes a really quick and easy dip or starter that is both healthy and yummy.
When the BBQ coals are still really hot, place an aubergine into the coals until the skin is black and the flesh is soft, about 20mins. Leave until cool enough to handle. When cooled peel of the skin and put the flesh into a food processor along with garlic, coriander, some lemon juice and olive oil. Blitz until smooth. If you want a more creamy dip stir through natural yogurt or for a hotter dip add some chilli. Adjust ingredients to taste and season then drizzle with more olive oil. Great served as a starter with pitta breads warmed on the BBQ and vegetable crudités.
Baked Bananas
This is a simple and classic BBQ desert which many of the Myakka team suggested for this blog. Baked Bananas are easy to make and can be flavoured to suit.
There are two ways of making this delicious desert. The first one is to put the banana with the skin on, straight into the hot coals. The skin will go black and then flesh will be soft and delicious. This is best served with simple vanilla ice cream perhaps with a splash of orange liquor.
The second method is great for adding the flavour of your choice to your banana before cooking them. Take them out of their skins and wrap in foil along with your desired flavouring such on Demerara sugar and cinnamon. Place into the hot coals and leave to go soft. The sugar should go a little crispy. You can experiment and try out different flavour combinations such as adding a few bits of chocolate to your foil pack (make sure it isn’t near the outside of the pack or on the coals as it will burn) or how about serving them with toffee sauce and cream, a classic combination!
Don’t forget to tell us about your favourite BBQ recipes on Facebook and Twitter or post a picture of your BBQ and favouite BBQ food on Pinterst. We always love to hear other people’s ideas and then fingers crossed for the sun we can try them out this weekend!
