I invite you to the barbecue!!!!!

The grill is more than just a cooking method; it is a tradition, an occasion to gather family and friends around a delicious meal. Whether it's summer or spring, the aroma of grilled meat and roasted vegetables brings smiles to everyone's faces. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step on how to prepare a perfect grill, with a selection of delicious meats, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Marinating time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Cooking time: 20-30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Necessary ingredients

1. Meat:
- 500 g beef (cubes or steak)
- 500 g chicken (thighs or boneless breast)
- 500 g lamb (chop or lamb meat)

2. Spices:
- 2 tablespoons Moroccan sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon barbecue powder (or other preferred spices)

3. Vegetables:
- 2-3 large onions, quartered
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 3-4 large potatoes, sliced (to be grilled first)

4. Accompaniments:
- Creamy hummus (about 250 g)
- Fresh salad (mix of green salad, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, onion)
- Preferred sauces (yogurt sauce, spicy sauce, or barbecue sauce)

Preparing the meat

1. Marinating:
- In a large bowl, combine all the spices: paprika, pepper, salt, garlic powder, and barbecue powder. Add the meat cut into cubes or slices and mix well to evenly coat each piece.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This process will allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat, making the final dish much tastier.

Preparing the vegetables

2. The vegetables:
- Prepare the cut vegetables: onion, tomatoes, zucchinis, and potatoes. The potatoes require the most cooking time, so make sure to put them on the grill first.

Heating the grill

3. The grill:
- Preheat the grill to a medium-high temperature. If using a charcoal grill, ensure you have a good fire and that the coals are covered with a layer of white ash. If using an electric or gas grill, set it to a medium temperature.

Grilling

4. Cooking the meat and vegetables:
- Place the potato slices on the grill, as they will need more cooking time. Grill them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and soft.
- Then add the beef, chicken, and lamb to the grill. Cook each type of meat for 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the pieces. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 75°C.
- Once the meat is nearly done, add the vegetables (onion, tomatoes, and zucchinis) to the grill. They will cook quickly, leaving them on the grill for 3-5 minutes on each side.

Serving

5. Serving:
- Once everything is cooked to perfection, bring the grill to the table. It's time to set aside the plates and enjoy the meat and vegetables directly from the grill. Bring a bowl of creamy hummus to complement the meat's flavor.
- Prepare a fresh salad with your favorite vegetables and add sauces to taste. These will add freshness and a crunchy note to your meal.

My personal tip

If you want to add a surprise element to the grill, try adding a few slices of pineapple to the grill. They caramelize easily and provide a sweet and delicious contrast to the grilled meat. You can also experiment with different flavored oils or citrus-based marinades to vary the flavors.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This recipe is rich in protein due to the meat, providing a nutritious meal. For example, a serving of chicken (about 100 g) contains approximately 165 calories and 31 g of protein. Adding vegetables not only enhances the flavor but also increases the fiber, vitamins, and minerals content, making this grill a healthy option.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
- Sure! You can replace beef, chicken, or lamb with pork, fish, or tofu for a vegetarian option.

2. What drinks pair well with this grill?
- A cold beer, a white wine, or a fruit cocktail will perfectly complement the meal. For a non-alcoholic option, iced tea or lemonade are excellent choices.

3. How can I store leftover meat?
- If you have leftover meat, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can later use it in salads, sandwiches, or soups.

4. What is the best way to clean the grill?
- After use, allow the grill to cool slightly. Use a grill brush to remove food residue, and if necessary, you can use warm water and detergent for a deeper clean.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, you can add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade, or you can try adding various sauces like soy sauce or teriyaki sauce to give an Asian twist to the dish.

In conclusion, grilling is a fun and flavorful activity that brings people together. So gather your family, fire up the grill, and savor every bite of this delicious meal! Bon appétit!