Who doesn’t love a BBQ? It is the perfect excuse to have friends and family over and tuck into a few of our favourite dishes! Therefore, it is no surprise that there is a week dedicated to the famous BBQ from the 4th-10th of July to celebrate National BBQ Week #NationalBBQweek.
In the UK, it’s usually only possible to enjoy BBQs in the warm summer months– although I am sure many of us tried to hold them outside of summer during the COVID-19 lockdown!
This year, we are happily free of most pandemic-related restrictions and can enjoy having all the family around for a BBQ. This is especially attractive when we consider the recent hike in food prices because barbecues can be a cheap and cheerful way to enjoy a get-together. Having everyone bring something – whether it be the potato salad, or a yummy dessert – can cut down the price as well.
It’s also great when everyone can get involved. Why not ask the teenagers to chop up the fruit, whilst the kids butter the burger buns, and the ‘chief of the BBQ’ takes to flipping burgers on the grill? It takes the pressure off you to do everything, and everyone feels good about working together towards a common goal – great food.
Let’s not forget that with lots of things for kids to do, and the opportunity for adults to relax, Barbecues are an evening or afternoon well-spent no matter what age! So, whether you’re having a summer celebration for a visiting relative, or perhaps a big birthday bash, there’s always a good excuse to light up the coals and treat yourself and your friends.
Need inspiration about what to cook up at the BBQ this year? Check out some of our all-time favourites for National BBQ Week!
Mexican Grilled Corn
This dish is popularly known as “Elote” in Mexico and is sold by street vendors there. Whilst it is most commonly made with cotija cheese, we’ve found that using a combination of feta and parmesan makes a perfect substitute. With a hint of lime juice and a kick from the cayenne, this recipe is a great new twist on a BBQ classic.
Ingredients:
¼ cup of sunflower oil
½ tsp of cayenne pepper
6 whole ears of corn, with the husks removed
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup of feta cheese
¼ cup of finely grated parmesan cheese
1 lime, cut into six wedges
Method:
Step 1:
Combine the oil and cayenne pepper and in a separate bowl combine the mayonnaise and both type of cheese
Step 2:
Brush the corn with the oil mixture and place on the grill ensuring that the BBQ is well oiled.
Step 3:
Grill each corn for 7-10 minutes, rotating them as you go.
Step 4:
Once the corn is done, spread the mayonnaise and cheese mixture and squeeze over one wedge of lime for each corn.
Step 5:
Serve and enjoy!
Shish Kebab – Done Your Way
Whilst lamb is traditionally used in Shish Kebab, the possibilities are endless for what kind of meat you can use. You don’t even need to use meat! Some halloumi or a vegan meat substitute would be delicious with this marinade and cooking style.
Ingredients:
One Onion (Red or white – your choice)
1kg of lamb (or a substitute of your choice – chicken, beef, tofu, etc)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice
1 Teaspoon of Salt
½ a Teaspoon of Ground black pepper
¼ Teaspoon of Ground Cayenne Pepper
1 Teaspoon of Ground Cumin
¼ Teaspoon of Ground Ginger
1 Teaspoon of Dried Marjoram
1 Teaspoon of Dried Oregano
Method:
Step 1:
Combine all the marinade ingredients and set aside and slice the meat into bite sized pieces.
Step 2:
Cover the sliced meat with the marinade, place in a ziplock bag or a bowl with clingfilm over it, and pop it in the fridge for 24 hours.
Step 3:
After the time has elapsed, slice the onion into segments and slide pieces of the meat and onion onto skewers. The pattern should go meat, onion, meat, onion.
Step 4:
After the time has elapsed, slice the onion into segments and slide pieces of the meat and onion onto skewers. The pattern should go meat, onion, meat, onion.
Step 5:
Discard the onions after cooking as they will be burnt. Serve with some cool tzatziki dip and enjoy!
S’mores
S’mores are a campfire classic. They originated in America, but in recent years they have gained a lot of popularity in the UK. Traditionally, S’mores are made with a square of Hershey’s chocolate and a toasted marshmallow squashed between two digestive biscuits (called Graham Crackers in the US). However, we found that by using chocolate coated digestives, you can save yourself time and hassle! Additionally, using dark chocolate digestives makes this treat even more decadent and special.
Ingredients:
A packet of Dark Chocolate Digestives
A packet of marshmallows
Method:
Step 1:
Toast your marshmallow over the hot coals of a simmering BBQ. Try not get your marshmallow directly into the flame or the coals, so you don’t get ash on it or burn the top of it. You’re going for a nice, even roast. Remember to use a long enough stick!
Step 2:
Squish your marshmallow between two dark chocolate digestive biscuits, chocolate side facing inside.
Step 3:
Tuck in and enjoy!
If you enjoyed our National BBQ Week blog why not check out even more inspiring recipes from our previous blogs