When I say “Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple,” what comes to mind? A touch of summer, a dash of spice, and an irresistible aroma that fills the air. This delightful recipe is like sunshine on a plate, with juicy, caramelized pineapple slices that deliver the perfect blend of sweet and spice. Intrigued? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, perfect for a spontaneous dessert craving.
- Versatile Delight: Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple pairs wonderfully with ice cream, yogurt, or even as a standalone treat.
- Healthy Indulgence: With no refined sugars, it’s a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a cozy family dinner or a summer barbecue, this dish will impress everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that looks as stunning as it tastes. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and creating a delightful texture.
- Pineapple: Fresh and ripe, the star of the dish. Its natural sugars caramelize beautifully on the grill.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the pineapple’s flavor without overpowering it.
- Ground Cinnamon: Provides the spicy warmth that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- Mint Leaves and Lime Zest: Brighten and freshen up the dish, adding an exciting twist right before serving.
Variations
Don’t you love a recipe you can play with? Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adjust it to suit your tastes or what’s in your pantry.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the syrup mix for a spicy-sweet combination.
- Tropical Twist: Sprinkle some shredded coconut over the grilled pineapple for a more tropical feel.
- Alcoholic Flair: Soak the pineapple in a little rum before grilling for an adult version of the dish.
How to Make Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple
Step 1: Prep Your Pineapple
First things first, slice the top and bottom off your pineapple and stand it upright. Carefully remove the peel by slicing down the sides to expose the juicy fruit. Next, make use of those natural edges as your guide to cut the pineapple vertically into eight chunky slices, just like a pizza.
Step 2: Infuse with Flavor
Time to coat those delightful slices! Mix your maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and pinch of salt in a small bowl. Arrange your pineapple pieces in a large bowl, then drizzle over the syrup mix, ensuring each piece is wonderfully coated. Don’t be shy—rub it in with your hands, if needed!
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
Heat your grill or chargrill pan on high until it’s hot. Lay a couple of pineapple slices on the grill and let them sizzle and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when those gorgeous grill marks appear and the sugar starts to caramelize.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple
- Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is properly preheated; a hot grill caramelizes the sugar and adds those stunning grill marks.
- Marination Time: Let the pineapple slices sit in the syrup mix for a few minutes to absorb the flavors more fully before grilling.
- Skewer Smartly: Use bamboo skewers for easy handling; they also make turning the pineapples on the grill a breeze.
- Chill Your Serving: For a delightful contrast, serve grilled pineapple with a scoop of cold coconut yogurt or ice cream.
How to Serve Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple
Garnishes
Garnishing is your chance to elevate the dish with minimal effort. A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves and grated lime zest just before serving adds a burst of color and a refreshing, zesty twist that accentuates the sweet and spicy notes of the pineapple.
Side Dishes
If you’re hosting a barbecue, consider pairing Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple with savory sides like grilled chicken or fish, balancing out the meal with a hint of sweetness. Alternatively, serve it alongside a bright, crisp salad to keep everything light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is the step where creativity has no bounds. Consider serving the pineapple skewers upright in a glass, adding a tropical umbrella for flair. Or, create a “fruit platter” canvas with pineapple slices surrounded by strawberries, kiwis, and toasted coconut for a feast-worthy table centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Should you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store the grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for about 2-3 days and tastes delicious cold or reheated.
Freezing
While freezing is not ideal for maintaining texture, you can freeze grilled pineapple. Place the cooled slices on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to one month.
Reheating
To reheat, you can simply toss the slices back on the grill for a few minutes until warm. Alternatively, use a microwave on a low setting to gently heat through, ensuring you don’t overcook them.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
While fresh pineapple is preferred for its texture and flavor, you can use canned pineapple rings in a pinch. Just make sure to drain and dry them thoroughly before grilling.
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What’s the best way to cut the pineapple?
Using the natural edges of the peeled pineapple as guides, cut it vertically into eight long slices. This method ensures even cooking and easy handling during grilling.
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How can I make the dish vegan?
This dish is already vegan! Simply double-check that your maple syrup is pure to maintain its vegan credentials.
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Can I prepare this recipe on an indoor grill?
Absolutely! An indoor grill or stovetop grill pan works wonderfully. Just ensure it’s hot enough to properly sear the pineapple slices.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t yet experienced the tempting mix of flavors in Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple, now is the time to give it a try. Whether it’s a regular Thursday night or a special occasion, this dish promises to bring joy and a touch of tropical sunshine to your table. Gather your ingredients and grill up some magic!
Print
Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical, Summer
Description
A delicious and easy grilled cinnamon pineapple recipe that captures the sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors of summer. Perfect for serving as a refreshing dessert or a tropical side dish, this dish features juicy pineapple chunks grilled to perfection with a hint of cinnamon and maple syrup, garnished with fresh lime zest and mint leaves.
Ingredients
For the Pineapple
- 1 large pineapple
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- generous pinch of salt
- freshly chopped mint leaves and grated lime zest, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple: Slice the top and bottom off the pineapple. Stand it on one cut end, then carefully peel the skin off, removing the thorny bits. Cut the pineapple into eight wedges, trimming the hard core if necessary.
- Skewer the Pineapple: Pierce all eight pieces lengthwise with bamboo skewers to create pineapple lollipops. Place them in a large bowl.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Coat the Pineapple: Drizzle the cinnamon-maple mixture over the pineapple pieces and rub gently to coat thoroughly.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill pan, barbecue grill, or grill plate on high heat until hot.
- Grill the Pineapple: Place several pieces on the hot grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until they develop golden grill marks. Repeat with remaining pieces, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Serve: Garnish the grilled pineapple with freshly grated lime zest and chopped mint leaves. Serve immediately with coconut yoghurt or ice cream on the side for an extra treat.
Notes
- Ensure the pineapple is ripe for the best flavor.
- You can use metal skewers if preferred, but bamboo skewers should be soaked in water beforehand to prevent burning.
- This dish pairs well with a dollop of coconut yoghurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- For added flavor, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or lime zest just before serving.
- Grilling times may vary depending on your grill’s heat and pineapple size.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wedge (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
