Whether it's for a quick dinner or to feed a crowd, New Zealand chef Chris Fortune has plenty of advice and recipes in his latest publication The Kiwi Sizzler.
The key, he says, is to keep it simple ... always.
In my experience there are five Ps - ‘‘Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance'' - that are crucial to any good barbecue cooking technique, including the art of grilling, and it's often the things you do prior to lighting the grill that count the most in the end.
By having all your ingredients ready, by seasoning and flavouring the meats and vegetables beforehand, by ensuring that you have the correct plates, platters, tools and equipment, tea towels or paper towels at your disposal - this all makes for a more memorable experience.
Attend to the ‘‘Ps'' before you start so that you can focus properly on the most important job at hand - barbecuing.
PRIOR: Ensure that all your equipment is clean and operating correctly before you start.
PREPARATION: Place all your tools and equipment on a tray or in a box close at hand so they are ready when you need them.
PREVENTS: As in to prevent disasters happening by practising before you preach - barbecuing is something that is learnt and perfected by doing, not talking about it.
POOR: Those people who turn up late to the barbecue empty-handed and expect to be waited on hand and foot.
PERFORMANCE: By doing the simple things well you will create a quality product and an unforgettable taste experience.
Hotplate flatbread
Easy to make, tasty to eat, these are the perfect little snacks from the grill. Brushing with butter prior to grilling will give a ‘‘definite'' want-more appeal.
Ingredients
1 cup wholewheat flour
½ tsp salt
½ cup chilled water
1 tsp olive oil
clarified butter or ghee
Method
Combine the flour and salt in a bowl, make a well in the middle and then add the water and oil. Knead for two minutes until well incorporated.
Set the dough aside to rest, covered, for 15 minutes. Knead once again and divide into 8 portions.
Roll until flat, using a little flour if needed.
Cook on a hot flat plate or grill, brushing with a little butter on each side. Eat and enjoy while warm.
