Beets on the Grill

Grilled Beets: A Simple Summer Delight

Summer is here, and with it comes the bounty of fresh produce from our gardens and local farmers' markets. This year, my garden has been particularly generous with its beets, leaving me with a surplus that I needed to find a delicious way to use. I've always enjoyed beets roasted in the oven, but with the warm weather beckoning, I decided to experiment with something a little different: grilling them! The result? Sweet, smoky, tender beets that were surprisingly easy to make and absolutely delicious.

Initially, I was a little hesitant. Grilling beets seemed unconventional, even a bit risky. Would they char too much? Would the foil packets leak? But, armed with my trusty grill and a healthy dose of culinary curiosity, I plunged in. I scrubbed my beets clean, leaving the skins on, and simply tossed them onto some foil with butter, salt and pepper. The whole process, from prep to cleanup, took less than an hour – much less time than traditional roasting. And the flavour? It was incredible. The grilling process gave the beets a subtle smokiness that perfectly complemented their natural sweetness. The skins remained tender, eliminating the need for peeling, which always feels like a chore after cooking beets in the conventional manner.

Why I loved this recipe:

• Simplicity: The preparation is incredibly straightforward. No elaborate techniques or specialized equipment are required.
• Flavor: The grilling method lends a unique smoky sweetness to the beets that surpasses their roasted counterparts. It adds a depth of flavour without masking the beets' inherent goodness.
• Convenience: No peeling required! This alone saves a significant amount of time and effort, especially when dealing with a larger quantity of beets.
• Versatility: These grilled beets are incredibly versatile. They make a delightful side dish, but they are also excellent additions to salads, grain bowls, or even as a topping for grilled meats or fish.

I served my grilled beets alongside some grilled chicken and a simple green salad, creating a complete and satisfying summer meal. The smoky sweetness of the beets cut through the richness of the chicken perfectly. My family devoured them! Honestly, I was surprised how quickly they disappeared. The simplicity, the unexpected flavour profile, and the overall ease of this recipe made it a summer winner.

This year, I have been focusing on simple and healthy recipes that still pack a flavour punch. Life is hectic – I have a full-time job and am also a mum, which means finding quick and easy recipes that don't compromise on taste is crucial. This grilled beets recipe fits that bill perfectly. It is a recipe I will certainly be making again and again throughout the summer. Try it for yourself; I think you'll be just as impressed as I was.

Tips for grilling beets:

• Choose your beets carefully: Look for firm, unblemished beets with smooth skins.
• Don't overcook them: Overcooked beets can become mushy. Aim for tenderness, but maintain some firmness.
• Experiment with seasonings: While salt and pepper are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other seasonings such as herbs, spices, or even a touch of balsamic vinegar.
• Serve them warm or cold: Grilled beets are delicious both warm and at room temperature, making them a versatile addition to any meal.

I hope you enjoy this simple yet extraordinary recipe as much as I do! Let me know in the comments how your grilled beets turn out!

Step-by-step

• Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat.
• Coat one side of a large piece of aluminum foil with cooking spray. Place beets and butter on foil; season with salt and pepper. Wrap foil over beets.
• Place packet on the grill grate. Cook 30 minutes, or until beets are very tender.
• Allow beets to cool about 5 minutes before serving. You dont even need to peel to enjoy!