Barbecue season is upon us but there is no reason for burgers to keep stealing the show. In addition to grilling fun vegetable kebobs, my prediction is that fruit is about to take over the grill scene. Peaches are in season in July and they can be added to any meal in a variety of ways.
Grilled peaches will be the hit of any summer potluck because they're so versatile, but now you can make them without ever having to turn on a grill. On those days when it is just too hot to leave the house, grab a grill pan, or even any frying pan, from your cabinet and get to work on this four step sequence to make your own indoor grilled peaches.
Step 1: Wash and cut the peaches
The beauty of grilled peaches lies in the perfectly straight grill marks on each one. In order to make them all uniform, wash the peaches and cut them in half- almost like an avocado. Twist them open and remove the pit to reveal two even halves. This is easiest when they are barely ripe, or almost ripe. An overripe peach can get crushed in the process and become a runny mess before it gets cooked.
Step 2: Prepare the grill pan
Most indoor grill pans are non-stick so adding anything to the pan is not absolutely necesseary. Adding a pit of Pam or other cooking spary can help the peaches brown a bit faster, if you're in a rush.
Many recipes for outdoor grilling recommend brushing butter or oil onto the peaches but since there is nowhere for excess oil to drip in a grill pan, it will only make the peaches soggy and obscure the beautiful grill marks.
Step 3: Grill the peaches
To start the cooking process, turn your stove burner to medium heat and allow the pan to pre-heat for 2-3 minutes. Once it is warm, place each peach flat side down on the pan, making sure that they aren't touching.
#SpoonTip: To check if a pan is ready, flick water onto it. If the water sizzles, the pan is hot enough. Every pan is different, so heating times may vary.
Leave the peaches on the pan for 10-15 minutes. Try not to pick them up because it slows down the cooking time and prevents Instagram-worthy grill marks from forming.
When the peaches are slightly soft to the touch, grab a pair of tongs and carefully lift them off the pan. Place each one face up on a plate and allow them to cool.
Step 4: Add toppings and serve
The peaches can be served warm by themselves and eaten with a fork. Plan for each person you are feeding to eat 1 or 2 peach halves.
To make your plate fancier, you can top them with honey, whipped cream or ricotta cheese. A cooked peach can also be spread on toast or added to a sandwich in place of jelly.
If eating the peaches plain isn't enough, try this Grilled Peach and Ricotta Tostada.