Grilled Peaches: A Sweet and Smoky Summer Delight
With the 4th of July just around the corner, what better way to celebrate than with some delicious grilled peaches? This simple yet stunning dish captures the essence of summer, combining the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with a hint of smokiness from the grill. Perfect as a side dish, dessert, or even a topping for salads, these grilled peaches are sure to impress your family and friends. Let's dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe but firm peaches
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of sea salt
- Optional: fresh mint leaves or basil for garnish, vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the peaches:
Start by washing your peaches thoroughly. Cut each peach in half and remove the pit. If the peaches are clingstone, you may need to use a knife to carefully cut around the pit and then gently twist to separate the halves.
2. Preheat the grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you're using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are white-hot and evenly spread. For gas grills, preheat with the lid closed for about 10 minutes.
3. Brush the peaches:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil and honey. Brush this mixture generously over the cut sides of the peaches. The olive oil will help prevent sticking, while the honey adds an extra layer of sweetness and caramelization.
4. Grill the peaches:
Place the peaches on the grill, cut side down. Grill for about 3-4 minutes, until you see beautiful grill marks and the peaches start to soften slightly. Carefully flip the peaches and grill for another 2-3 minutes on the skin side.
5. Add cinnamon and salt:
Remove the peaches from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and a pinch of sea salt. The cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic flavor, while the salt enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches.
6. Garnish and serve:
For an extra touch of freshness, garnish the grilled peaches with fresh mint leaves or basil. Serve them warm as they are, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a delightful dessert.
Tips and Variations:
- Choose the right peaches: Opt for peaches that are ripe but still firm to the touch. Overripe peaches may become too mushy on the grill.
- Experiment with flavors: Try drizzling a balsamic reduction over the grilled peaches for a tangy twist, or sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for a savory-sweet combination.
- Grill fruit medley: Mix things up by grilling a variety of fruits like apricots, plums, and pineapple alongside your peaches.
There you have it! A quick and easy recipe for grilled peaches that will add a touch of gourmet flair to your 4th of July celebration. Enjoy the sweet, smoky goodness and happy grilling!
Wishing you a fantastic and flavor-packed holiday,