FoodGrilled radishes. The unexpected BBQ star you need to try
Grilled radishes. The unexpected BBQ star you need to try
12:03 PM EDT, April 29, 2024
I can't resist buying them daily when they hit the market stalls. Perfect for enhancing sandwiches, mixing cottage cheese, or tossing them into salads, their sharp and spicy flavor boosts the taste of numerous dishes. Although I predominantly enjoy them raw, I've grown fond of grilled radishes. Try them at your May holiday barbecue – they're surprisingly delightful when served warm.
Grilling vegetables? Zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes likely come to mind instantly. Radishes, however, seldom make the list. They're not what you would typically expect. We tend to opt for larger vegetables on the grill, believing they hold onto their flavor better under high heat without drying out.
Small, but Full of Flavor
Despite their size, radishes grill splendidly. The heat softens them while preserving their spicy kick. They require only a brief time on the grill and pair wonderfully with sauces, bread, and salads. Radishes are even versatile enough to be featured in skewers, perhaps alongside poultry, or mingled with slices of zucchini, tomato, or bell pepper for a vibrant plate of grilled vegetables. Marinating radishes beforehand helps them to retain moisture.
Even from the Pan
Should you grow fond of warm radishes, there's no need to rely solely on the grill. Simply slice them thicker and toss them onto a grill pan, serving them with a herb or garlic sauce. This method is particularly useful for revitalizing veggies that are starting to wilt. Slicing and sautéing them in butter with garlic adds an extra dimension of flavor.
Grilled Radishes in an Herbal Marinade
Ingredients:
- 2 bunches of radishes,
- A head of garlic,
- Half a lemon,
- 1/4 cup of canola or olive oil,
- A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar,
- Salt, pepper, oregano, fresh parsley, and coriander sprigs,
- Half a teaspoon of honey.
How to Prepare:
1. Combine the oil (or olive oil) with the vinegar, honey, spices, and finely chopped herbs. Thoroughly wash the radishes and trim the leaves, leaving a bit of the stalks intact. Marinate them for about 30 minutes.
2. Thread the radishes onto skewers or arrange them on a grilling tray with lemon slices and garlic cloves. Grill for about 10-15 minutes. Aim for radishes that are slightly browned yet retain their crunch.
