Hi everyone,
July is a bountiful month for fresh, flavourful produce in the UK. From juicy berries to vibrant courgettes, the summer harvest offers a wealth of ingredients perfect for outdoor cooking and barbecuing. Whether you're using a charcoal BBQ, gas BBQ, pizza oven, or a variety of outdoor kitchen appliances, the seasonal produce this month can transform your BBQ food into dishes your guests will never forget. Read on to explore some of the best seasonal produce this month and how you can make the most of them using various outdoor kitchen appliances. We'll also share tips on displaying your delicious BBQ recipes to make them look just as good as they taste! 🧑🍳🔥
Seasonal Produce in July:
Berries (Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries)
Tomatoes
Courgettes (Zucchini)
Peas
New Potatoes
Salad Leaves (Lettuce, Rocket)
Herbs (Basil, Mint, Parsley)
Cooking Techniques and Recipes:
Berries: Grilled Berry Skewers
Berry skewers are an excellent addition to any BBQ, as they bring an organic sweetness to the spread. These fruit skewers are simple to create and perfectly suited for busy hosts. Grilling the berries caramelises their natural sugars, resulting in a subtle, smoky, and delicious depth that pairs beautifully with other BBQ meals. Fresh fruit recipes like these berry skewers also offer an enjoyable contrast to the savoury taste of many barbecue meats, such as BBQ ribs, building a varied and extraordinary meal for you and your guests to enjoy in your outdoor living space. 🍓🍒
Gas BBQ: Preheat to medium-high heat. Thread mixed berries onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until slightly charred. Serve with a dollop of vanilla yogurt.
Charcoal BBQ: Wait until the coals are white-hot. Grill the berry skewers over direct heat for a smokier flavour.
Display Tip: Arrange the skewers on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of yogurt and honey for drizzling.
Tomatoes: Tomato and Basil Pizza
Pizza is an incredible choice for a barbecue, offering an adaptable dish which perfectly suits the outdoor cooking and outdoor living experience. Homemade pizzas are simple to make in a pizza oven or on a BBQ. The combination of juicy tomatoes and fresh basil creates a classic flavour that is universally loved. Cooking pizzas on a barbecue grill in your garden kitchen adds a distinctive smoky flavour to the crust and ensures the cheese is soft and gooey. This easy and appetising pizza is quick to prepare, allowing hosts to spend more time in their outdoor living space with their friends and family. 🍕🍅
Pizza Oven: Roll out pizza dough, top with sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella. Cook in a preheated pizza oven at 500°F (260°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Gas BBQ: Use a pizza stone on the grill. Preheat to high, then reduce to medium-high. Cook the pizza for 10-12 minutes with the lid closed.
Display Tip: Serve the pizza on a large wooden platter with fresh basil leaves scattered on top.
Courgettes: Grilled Courgette and Halloumi Salad
Grilled courgette and halloumi salad provides a delicious mix of flavours to your outdoor dining experience. The smoky, grilled courgette pairs flawlessly with the crisp, grilled halloumi, making a halloumi salad that's both substantial and refreshing. This dish easily shows off the versatility of your outdoor kitchen appliances, as it's quick and easy to prepare on the grill. Feel free to experiment with various BBQ seasonings to add extra flavour to your meal! 🥒🧀
Charcoal BBQ: Slice courgettes lengthwise and grill over medium-high heat until tender and charred, about 3-4 minutes per side. Grill slices of halloumi cheese for 2 minutes per side.
Gas BBQ: Follow the same method as the charcoal BBQ but reduce the heat to medium.
Display Tip: Toss the courgettes and halloumi with a lemon vinaigrette and serve in a large salad bowl garnished with fresh mint leaves.
Peas: Minted Pea and Feta Dip
If you’re a fan of peas, a minted pea and feta dip is a game-changer for BBQ dinners. It’s a flavourful and creamy dip that combines the sweetness of peas with the tang of feta and a hint of mint. This dip pairs extremely well with grilled vegetables, pita bread, as a topping for burgers, or with other BBQ side dishes. It’s simple and easy to make, making it a great choice for your next barbecue! 🫛⭐
Gas BBQ: Grill peas in a grill basket over medium heat until slightly charred, about 5 minutes. Blend with fresh mint, feta, and a splash of olive oil.
Charcoal BBQ: Grill peas as above, then prepare the dip.
Display Tip: Serve the dip in a rustic bowl with chargrilled flatbreads on the side.
New Potatoes: BBQ Potato Skewers
Switch up your usual mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, and jacket potato BBQ sides with BBQ potato skewers! These BBQ skewers pair beautifully with any BBQ meat and make for a fun and creative way to cook potatoes. So if you're wondering how to cook potatoes for your next BBQ party, give these a go! 🥔🤩
Gas BBQ: Parboil new potatoes until just tender. Thread onto skewers with rosemary sprigs and brush with olive oil. Grill over medium heat for 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
Charcoal Grill: Grill the skewers over indirect heat for a smoky flavour.
Display Tip: Serve the skewers on a slate platter with a sprinkle of sea salt and a side of garlic aioli.
Salad Leaves: Mixed Leaf Salad with Grilled Chicken
Looking for a simple yet tasty BBQ chicken recipe? Or maybe you're just wondering how to cook chicken on the BBQ? Next time you're cooking in your outdoor kitchen or BBQ area, be sure to give this easy chicken dish a go. It's a versatile recipe where the flavour can be enhanced depending on your choice of herbs and their quantity. Whether you serve it as a barbecue side dish or your main BBQ dinner, it’s up to you! 🍗🥗
Gas BBQ: Marinate chicken breasts in lemon and herbs. Grill over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side. Slice and serve your BBQ chicken over a bed of mixed salad leaves.
Charcoal Grill: Follow the same method, allowing for a slightly longer cooking time if needed.
Display Tip: Present the salad on a large ceramic platter with the chicken fanned out on top. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Herbs: Herb-Infused Lemonade
Wondering how to make lemonade? You can make your very own lemonade on the BBQ! Use your gas BBQ or charcoal BBQ to bring the lemonade party to your outdoor kitchen. Lemonade makes for the perfect summer drink; it’s refreshing, tasty, and inexpensive, making it enjoyable for everyone. Check out the lemonade recipe below, as well as the serving tips. 🍋🥂
Gas BBQ: Grill lemon halves cut-side down for 2-3 minutes to caramelise. Squeeze the juice into a pitcher, add fresh herbs like mint and basil, and top with sparkling water and ice.
Charcoal BBQ: Use the same method but anticipate a smokier hint in the lemonade.
Display Tip: Serve in mason jars with herb sprigs and lemon slices as garnish.
Displaying Your Dishes:
Creating a visually appealing presentation for your barbecue dishes enhances the alfresco dining experience. Here are some tips:
Use Natural Materials: Wooden boards, slate platters, and ceramic bowls add rustic charm.
Garnish Generously: Fresh herbs, edible flowers, and citrus slices make dishes look vibrant and appetising.
Layer Textures: Combine grilled items with fresh, raw elements for visual and textural contrast.
Lighting: For evening gatherings, string lights or lanterns create a cosy, inviting atmosphere.
With these seasonal recipes and tips, your outdoor kitchen will be the heart of summer gatherings. Enjoy the abundance of July's produce and make the most of your outdoor cooking appliances! ☀️😎
If you give these BBQ recipes a try, be sure to post some pictures in the comments. Additionally, if you have any other summer BBQ food ideas, let us know in the comments. We’d love to see your creations and gain new inspiration. 😊🍖
Sizzle on,
Team AOS