You may think that preparing meals on the grill is just for summertime; but it’s time to rethink that. Winter menus don’t have to just consist of traditional winter dishes like hearty soups and stews. If your grill has been sitting idle waiting for the signs of summer, it’s time to up your grill game and try some winter grilling. Just be sure you have your grill set up out where it won’t be affected by the wind to maintain consistent temperatures. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started.
Chicken Piri-Piri
While your going outside you traditional thoughts of winter foods, try this super spicy African chicken recipe. This recipe is either called chicken piri piri or more traditionally called pili-pili . This is the name of the spicy chili pepper that was traditionally included in the sauce. This recipe does not include the actual chili, but for a more spicy zing you can definitely add a nice hot chili like a habanero, or scotch bonnet.
Another twist you may want to try is to cook the chicken top to bottom on the grill and not just at the end to add the grill marks. You’ll need to adjust your grill temp for cooking chicken.
Veal Chops
Veal is not necessarily a meat that you cook everyday, but’s actually great for grilling. Cooking times are short as veal cooks very quickly on the grill so you need to be careful not to overcook. If you’re not familiar with cooking veal, check out this great grilled big green egg veal chops recipe. Because the veal chops are so thin, simple seasoning like salt, pepper, and garlic works great. Adding butter and citrus add a sweet zing to the veal.
Steak and Veggies
A great steak is perfect any time of year. You can cook a complete winter meal on the grill without much trouble. Preheat your grill to 350 degrees. Grab a baking potato, make wide slices and place in tin foil. Before wrapping it up, add cut green onions and butter between slices along with some garlic salt. Double wrap up the potato in foil and put it on the grill. Cook it for about 40 minutes.
After your potatoes have been grilling about 30 minutes, season your steaks with you favorite seasonings and throw them on the grill. Depending on the doneness you prefer, cook your steaks to the proper temps. This should only take a few minutes on each side. Add a cast iron griddle to your grill and throw on some sliced veggies like bell peppers, onions, squash, and any others that you love. Toss the veggies in olive oil and season with salt, pepper. They’ll grill in a couple of minutes. Your potatoes should finish about the same time (40 minutes or so total).
Just like that you have a complete meal. A great cut of steak, a delicious baked potato, and some lovely crisp grilled veggies along with a cup of warm cider make for a perfect grilled winter meal.
Grilling foods tend to be a healthier alternative to cooking on the range because you tend to use less oils and fat. Don’t discount winter grilling, just bundle up and head out to the backyard.