Savory Grilled Peaches
Grilled Peaches Recipe from USA
Introduction
Grilled peaches are a delicious and unique way to enjoy this sweet summer fruit. The combination of the smoky grill flavor with the natural sweetness of the peaches creates a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a light dessert.
History
Grilled peaches have been a popular dish for centuries, with origins dating back to ancient times. Peaches were first cultivated in China over 4,000 years ago, and their sweet and juicy flavor quickly made them a favorite fruit for grilling. The practice of grilling peaches spread to other parts of the world, including Europe and the Americas, where it became a popular dish for summer gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
- 4 fresh peaches
How to prepare
- Cut the peaches in half and cook them on a covered grill over medium indirect heat for 4 minutes.
- Turn the peaches and cook for an additional 4 minutes.
- Optional: Drizzle the peaches with olive oil, chopped fresh basil, and sea salt for a savory twist.
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and spicy flavor.
- Top the grilled peaches with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese for a creamy finish.
- Drizzle the peaches with honey or balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to use ripe, but firm peaches for grilling to ensure they hold their shape on the grill.
- Brush the grill grates with oil before cooking to prevent the peaches from sticking.
- For a sweeter flavor, you can sprinkle the peaches with a little sugar before grilling.
- Be careful not to overcook the peaches, as they can become mushy and lose their flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled peaches can be served on their own as a light dessert or snack, or paired with vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for a more indulgent treat.
Cooking Techniques
Grilling the peaches over indirect heat helps to caramelize the sugars in the fruit and create a smoky flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
If peaches are not in season, you can use nectarines or plums as a substitute.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the peaches ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the grilled peaches on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Grilled peaches pair well with grilled chicken or pork, as well as a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover grilled peaches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the grill until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of grilled peaches contains approximately 70 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of grilled peaches contains approximately 17 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of grilled peaches contains approximately 1 gram of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of grilled peaches contains approximately 1 gram of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Grilled peaches are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.
Alergens
Grilled peaches are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. However, if you have a peach allergy, be sure to avoid this dish.
Summary
Grilled peaches are a low-calorie, nutrient-rich dish that is perfect for a light and healthy dessert or snack.
Summary
Grilled peaches are a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for summer entertaining. With a few simple ingredients and a hot grill, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dessert that will impress your guests. Enjoy the sweet and smoky flavors of grilled peaches all summer long!
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was handed down to me by my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who had learned it from her own grandmother many years ago. The idea of grilling peaches seemed so unusual and intriguing to me, I couldn't wait to give it a try.
Mrs. Jenkins invited me over to her house one sunny afternoon to show me how to make the savory grilled peaches. As we stood in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the warm, sweet aroma of ripe peaches, she began to explain the process to me.
"We start by slicing the peaches in half and removing the pits," she said, her hands deftly working the knife through the soft flesh of the fruit. "Then we brush them with a mixture of olive oil, honey, and a touch of balsamic vinegar."
I watched as she carefully coated each peach half with the sticky, sweet glaze, the rich colors of the ingredients melding together in a beautiful swirl of amber and gold.
"Next, we place the peaches on the grill, skin-side down," Mrs. Jenkins continued, leading me out to her backyard where a small, charcoal grill sat waiting. She expertly arranged the peaches on the hot grates, the sizzle of the fruit hitting the heat filling the air with a mouth-watering aroma.
As the peaches cooked, Mrs. Jenkins shared stories of her own grandmother, a woman known for her incredible cooking skills and her love of experimenting with new flavors and techniques. I could almost picture the old woman standing over a rustic, outdoor grill, a twinkle in her eye as she turned peaches into a savory delight.
After a few minutes, Mrs. Jenkins flipped the peaches over, revealing the charred, caramelized flesh underneath. The honey had caramelized beautifully, creating a sticky glaze that glistened in the sunlight.
"Now for the finishing touch," she said, sprinkling a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper over the peaches. The salty-sweet combination was pure magic, enhancing the natural sweetness of the fruit and adding a depth of flavor that was unexpected and delightful.
We sat down at a small table in her backyard, the scent of grilled peaches wafting around us as we took our first bite. The flesh was warm and juicy, the flavors of honey and balsamic vinegar mingling with the smoky char from the grill. It was a revelation.
As we ate, Mrs. Jenkins shared more stories of her grandmother and the many recipes she had passed down through the generations. Each dish had a story, a memory attached to it that made it more than just a meal – it was a connection to the past, a way of honoring those who had come before us.
I left Mrs. Jenkins' house that day with a full stomach and a heart full of gratitude. Grateful for the recipe she had shared with me, grateful for the stories she had told, and grateful for the reminder that food is so much more than just sustenance – it is a way of connecting with our past, of keeping the memories of loved ones alive.
And now, every time I make savory grilled peaches, I think of Mrs. Jenkins and her grandmother, of the warm summer day we spent together in her backyard, and of the simple, delicious joy of sharing a meal with someone you love.