10 Fun Reasons to Grill

Plus, four all-vegetable grilled recipes I love.

10 Fun Reasons to Grill It's 79°F right now, the sun is shining, and it's grill time. We're headed into one of my favorite weeks of the year at Kitchn, Grilling Week, when we hit all things smoke, sear, and char — and get to do some of our favorite recipes of the whole year (remember this stunning grilling picnic party?). While the old standbys like grilled chicken thighs, corn on the cob, and homemade pizza are favorites for a reason, there are SO. MANY. OTHER. REASONS. to grill. Reasons that are surprising, playful, flavorful, and downright inspiring. So I thought I'd take a little walk back through some real head-turning moments: my favorite little grilling surprises that should inspire you to beg, borrow, or straight-up clean that grill and get cooking this week.  Avocados (and guacamole): Years ago I wondered what would happen if you threw some avocado on for a quick char before making guacamole. The result: a smoky, revved-up guac that I simply adore. You must try this. Cabbage: Throw cabbage wedges on the grill and they get sweet, tender, and infinitely moreish — especially when sauced with this spicy lime dressing. Dinner Rolls: Smoke improves just about anything, including simple store-bought dinner rolls like these from Costco. It was a real upgrade to char and toast these a bit (and cooler than heating up the broiler!). Any meat you're going to slow-cook or put in the Instant Pot! Speaking of the broiler, and the stove, and other ways of browning meat, remember the grill can do this for you. Making pulled pork or chicken? Want a nice sear on it before throwing in the slow cooker? It's so much better, faster, and smokier to sear that meat on the grill. Salad dressing! Yes, really. This ranch dressing from Paula Disbrowe is made with big bunches of grilled kale, blended into the buttermilk mix. It's an ingenious move. Watermelon: Not grilling your watermelon yet? Get on that (and salt it too!). Gnocchi: This grilled gnocchi pretty much blew our collective minds; it takes our beloved sheet pan gnocchi method and transfers it to the grill for extra-smoky, crispy, chewy pasta bites.   Brussels sprouts: This is how Brussels sprouts stick around in the summer — as your new favorite grilled veggie. Rice Krispies treats: Haven't had a gooey, smoky Rice Krispies treat from the grill yet? Well, now you know. Chickpeas (yes, chickpeas!) Last and certainly not least, chickpeas are my excuse to rhapsodize over this mixed grill recipe from Amelia, who brings every single thing I want to eat this summer onto one stunning platter — merguez sausage, halloumi, fennel, and yes, grilled chickpeas done crispy in a cast iron skillet directly on the grates. The entire platter is a must-make for me this summer!  What's your excuse to get grilling this summer? Would love to hear! And look out this week for a whole crop of new grilling ideas and recipes, like Nina's clever twist on the family clambake, a story from Isidora Diaz on Chilean grilling, gorgeous Persian kabobs, and the must-make BBQ sauce of the summer.    Happy grilling!   Faith  FOLLOW FAITH GRILL YOUR VEG     Bryant Terry's Grilled Kebabs Slathered in pomegranate-peach barbecue sauce, these kebabs are bright and satisfying. READ MORE     Erin Alderson's Sweet Corn and Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers Grill-charred corn stuffed inside grilled peppers: so good. READ MORE     Cheesy Grilled Potato Packets Potatoes are the ultimate foil packet food, and cheese just makes them that much better. READ MORE     Buttery Eggplants with Toasted Couscous A huge platter of soft-grilled eggplant with couscous and peppers is just the thing for a crowd. READ MORE Follow Us Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences   View this email in your browser    To ensure delivery to your inbox please add newsletters@mail.apartmenttherapy.com to your address book.   Kitchn is a source of inspiration for a happier, healthier life in your kitchen. If we've inspired you, we may receive a share of purchases made through this email.   Apartment Therapy Media 270 Lafayette Street, Suite 1300 New York, NY 10012   ABOUT | CONTACT US | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE