Roasted Pineapple Skewers

Exotic Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Citrusy Yogurt Dip

Welcome to the realm of tantalizing tropical flavors with these Exotic Grilled Pineapple Skewers. This dish is a delightful medley of sweet and spicy, where succulent pineapple meets a hint of heat and zest, perfectly balanced with a creamy citrus yogurt dip. Ideal for a warm summer evening or a bright winter reminder of sunshine, these skewers are more than just a side dish; they're an experience.

To make this dish a success, start with choosing a ripe, juicy pineapple, which forms the heart of your skewers. The ripeness is key to ensuring sweetness that balances the zestiness of lime and the kick of red pepper. Ensure your skewers are adequately soaked if you're planning to grill over an open flame.

Don't rush the marination process; 10 minutes is enough to allow the flavors to meld beautifully with the pineapple. The lime zest and juice not only add a burst of freshness but also work as a tenderizing agent, while the honey provides a caramelized finish when baked or grilled. Utilizing a good non-fat Greek yogurt enhances the creamy dreaminess of your side dip, while also packing in essential nutrients.

Ingredients

• Ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
• Stars as the juicy, sweet heart of the dish.
• Provides zest (1 ½ teaspoons) and juice (3 tablespoons) for a burst of citrusy tang.
• Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness and aids in caramelizing.
• Introduces a subtle heat that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness.
• For convenient marination of pineapple.
• Ideal for threading the pineapple; ensure they're soak-proof if grilling.
• Creamy dip with a touch of vanilla for serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with nonstick foil for easy cleanup.
2. Take the peeled and cored pineapple and carefully slice it into half lengthwise, then each half into four long wedges, giving you consistent pieces for even cooking.
3. Zest the limes until you have 1 ½ teaspoons of zest, reserving some for later. Juice the limes to yield about 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, 1 teaspoon of the lime zest, and the ground red pepper until well blended. This luscious marinade will infuse the pineapple with vibrant flavors.
5. Place the pineapple wedges into a large zip-top bag, pour over the honey-lime marinade, seal the bag, and let stand for 10 minutes to marinate.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the skewers by threading each pineapple wedge onto a wooden skewer. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Pour any leftover marinade over the arranged pineapple skewers for extra flavor enhancement.
8. Bake the skewers for about 16–18 minutes, or until the edges of the pineapple start to brown and caramelize slightly.
9. As the skewers bake, combine the Greek yogurt with the remaining ½ teaspoon of lime zest to prepare your dip.
10. Once the pineapple is done, transfer the skewers to a serving platter and generously drizzle with the lime-yogurt dip or serve it on the side for dipping.

Tips for Troubleshooting if Something Goes Wrong with the Recipe

• Gradually add more lime juice to thin it out while maintaining flavor balance.
• Add more honey to mellow out the heat, or sprinkle lightly with a neutral dairy like cream.
• Increase oven temperature slightly but watch closely to avoid overcooking.
• Ensure the foil is correctly lined and consider using more honey in the marinade as a natural non-stick aid.

Ideas for Pairing with the Recipe

• A vibrant rice pilaf with nuts and dried fruits would complement the tropical notes of the pineapple.
• Pair with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing mocktail of mint lemonade for a refreshing combo.
• Follow up with a light coconut sorbet to carry the tropical theme to a delicious finish.

How to Store Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 3 days for the best flavor and texture.
• Freeze individual skewers separated by parchment paper within a sturdy container. To reheat, thaw and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F until hot.

FAQs

• Absolutely, grilling adds a smoky depth. Just soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the pineapple.
• Feel free to use a pinch of cayenne or freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your heat preference.
• Yes, a plain or coconut-flavored yogurt works well, though ensure it's thick enough to coat the skewers.
• Replace the Greek yogurt with a non-dairy coconut yogurt and swap honey for agave syrup.