Spring grilling: 3 recipes that will delight everyone

Spring is here, bringing with it long weekends and sunny days to be enjoyed outdoors! After learning how to fire up the barbecue again after the winter break, it's time to explore three recipes for grilling with friends and family that will make all your guests happy!

1) Grilled meat and vegetable skewers

A timeless grilling classic, grilled meat and vegetable skewers are a must-have for any barbecue.

Easy to prepare and deliciously irresistible, grilled skewers are a light and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Meat-lovers can opt for chicken, lamb or beef, always taking care to choose lean cuts, while peppers, onions, and zucchini are the perfect options for veggie-lovers.


But how do you prepare the best grilled meat and vegetable skewers? Here are some tips:

• Cut the meat (chicken, lamb, or beef) and vegetables into uniform pieces; this will ensure even cooking and make it easier to assemble the skewers.
• Before skewering, marinate the ingredients with extra virgin olive oil and your favorite blend of spices for at least an hour.
• Assemble the skewers by alternating pieces of chicken and vegetables, leaving a small gap between one piece and another to ensure even cooking.
• It's best to cook directly over the coals, at a temperature no higher than 250 °C for a total of 8-10 minutes, turning the skewers every 2-3 minutes.

The result? Colorful, delicious skewers that are perfect for sharing!

2) Grilled cheese and the secrets to handling it

A practical idea suitable for vegetarians, grilled cheese is an option that embodies the spirit of summer and country festivals. But how do you grill cheese to perfection without it falling apart?

The first aspect to take into account is the type of cheese: the varieties that are best suited for grilling are hard or semi-hard, but not too mature. They should be cut into slices about 1 cm thick, leaving the crust. Tomino cheese is also ideal for grilling: the end result will be a delightfully soft center surrounded by a crispy crust.

And what about cooking methods? There are various techniques for grilling cheese. The simplest method is cooking directly on a griddle. To prevent the cheese from burning or flaking, however, it's important to set a temperature that's not too high, and cook for just a short amount of time.

Serve the cheese with honey, onion jam, grilled vegetables, bread, or fries... and you're all set!

3) Grilled sea bream

With its truly unique flavor, grilled fish is always a winning choice.

One of the best fish to grill? Sea bream, a lean fish with a very low cholesterol content that is readily available at supermarket fresh seafood counters. Here's how to prepare it in just a few steps:

• Clean the sea bream by removing the dorsal fin and the side fins, using a fish filleting knife.
• Slice open the belly and remove its entrails, then thoroughly wash the fish under running water and pat dry with paper towels.
• Prepare a marinade with extra virgin olive oil, a chopped garlic clove, chopped parsley, and your favorite spices, such as rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf, or a specific fish rub.
• Brush the inside of the sea bream with the mixture and a little lemon.
• Cook over indirect heat at about 200°C for about 15 minutes, until the skin is well browned.

The sea bream is ready: serve with a bit of salad and fresh cherry tomatoes, and enjoy!