As the weather gets warmer and we start to head outdoors, our thoughts often turn to grilling something delicious. Vegetables have been a popular item to grill, and it turns out, you could also include pickles on the list.
When it comes to summer eating, pickles often make the menu. They are a side dish that is on the table. Some people love them and may reach for them as soon as they hit the table but others are a little more reserved.
Perhaps they may be even more of a fan favorite after they hit the grill.
According to a foodie at Lifehacker, the sugars included in the brining liquid cause the pickles to char and caramelize. They describe the taste as being fantastic.
Although grilling pickles is a fairly straightforward process, you do need to choose the pickles that will go on the grill first. Taking a look in your fridge will likely turn up some pickles that may have been in the back for quite some time. After you get a taste for them, you may want to try shopping for some that are specific for the purpose.
When it comes to grilling pickles, beauty is in the eye of the beholder but you may want to listen to a food expert at Bon Appétit. They said the best choice is to select a plump pickle that is spear-shaped. Don’t go for half pickles, because spears allow the caramelization to take place more readily.
After choosing your pickle, you need to put them on a paper towel individually to remove some of the wetness. Leaving too much brine on the pickle will keep them from caramelizing. You can then coat them lightly with oil before throwing them on the grill.
Grilled pickles are best when they are put directly on the grate of the grill. Using aluminum foil or a pan underneath them will likely reduce your enjoyment of them. Just make sure that you don’t put them on the grill in such a way that they fall through the bars.
It only takes a few minutes to grill a pickle if the grill is preheated. For that reason, don’t be too quick to walk away. You have to take them off at the prime crispiness level.
If you are grilling other foods, then wait until closer to the end to throw on the pickles.
The last step in the process is to allow them to cool and then add them to pasta salad or put them on your hamburger. Delicious!