Something I find really endearing about us Brits is our desperation to enjoy every drop of sunshine we’re rationed. When we wake up to an unexpectedly glorious day and, like a moth to the flame (or Brit to the BBQ) we’re drawn toward the charcoal section of the supermarkets!
When you’re on an impulse BBQ sesh you need to act fast. Meat is not such an issue, but sides? They can require more thought, quite often they become pre-made salads and pastas for convenience. But I’ve got a couple of super quick, mega delicious sides that’ll inject some serious flavour into your al fresco dining. I made them recently for my own impromptu BBQ and they were a big hit.
If you wanna get the party started fast, I really recommend one of these charcoal starters. They get the coals to cooking spec in half the time, ideal if you’re highly impatient (ravenous) like myself.
Ribs were for dinner, but we cooked a chicken at the same time for easy lunches over the coming week. We like to make the most of the BBQ and how much cooking space there is!
Okay so I was on salad duty. I brought to the table a quick & fresh green salad, a delicious mango salsa and a Scandinavian inspired potato salad.
Mango Salsa
- 2 ripe mangos, cubed
- 1 large red onion, finely chopped
- Handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
- Juice of 1 lime
- Handful of fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
This salsa is vibrant and fresh, with a delicious contrast of sweet mango with the fiery hum of the onion. Fantastic with red meat!
Potato Salad
- 1 small-medium bag of new potatoes (boiled)
- 2 tbsp mayonaise
- 1 large red onion
- 3tbsp gerkins, finely chopped
- Handful of fresh dill, finely chopped
- Black pepper to taste
Dill in potato salad is mind blowing. It lifts the dish with that amazing perfumed-herby flavour. The gerkins then cut through with a zingy crunch!
Both salads take minutes to assemble… and less than that to devour!