Brazilian Grilled Pineapple: A Sweet and Smoky Delight

Brazilian grilled pineapple, or *abacaxi na brasa*, is a simple yet incredibly delicious dessert or side dish that perfectly embodies the vibrant flavors of Brazilian cuisine. The grilling process caramelizes the natural sugars in the pineapple, creating a smoky, sweet, and slightly tangy treat that’s irresistible. This recipe is easy to adapt and perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or even a cozy indoor grilling session.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Simple Ingredients:** All you need is a pineapple and a few optional pantry staples.
* **Quick and Easy:** The preparation time is minimal, and the grilling process is relatively quick.
* **Incredible Flavor:** The combination of smoky char and sweet caramelized pineapple is a flavor explosion.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it as a dessert, a side dish with grilled meats, or even as a topping for yogurt or ice cream.
* **Impressive Presentation:** Grilled pineapple looks beautiful and adds a touch of elegance to any meal.

## Ingredients

* 1 ripe pineapple
* Optional:
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
* Lime wedges, for serving

## Equipment

* Sharp knife
* Cutting board
* Grill (gas, charcoal, or indoor grill pan)
* Mixing bowl (optional, for spice mixture)
* Pastry brush (optional, for brushing with butter/oil)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Prepare the Pineapple

* **Choose a ripe pineapple:** Look for a pineapple that is golden yellow in color, feels slightly soft to the touch, and has a sweet, fragrant smell at the base. Avoid pineapples that are green, bruised, or have a fermented smell.
* **Cut off the top and bottom:** Place the pineapple on its side on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple, removing about 1 inch from each end.
* **Remove the skin:** Stand the pineapple upright on the cutting board. Starting at the top, slice off the skin in strips, following the curve of the pineapple. Work your way around the entire pineapple, removing all the skin. Be sure to remove any of the “eyes” (the small brown spots) that remain. You can use a small paring knife to remove any stubborn eyes.

### 2. Core and Slice the Pineapple

There are a few different ways to core and slice a pineapple for grilling. Choose the method that works best for you:

* **Method 1: Rings**
* Stand the peeled pineapple upright. Using a pineapple corer, push the corer down through the center of the pineapple to remove the core. This is the easiest and fastest method if you have a pineapple corer.
* Alternatively, you can use a sharp knife to cut around the core. Stand the pineapple upright and carefully cut down along the core, rotating the pineapple as you go. Remove the core in one piece.
* Lay the cored pineapple on its side and slice it into rings that are about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Thicker rings will take longer to grill but will be less likely to fall apart.
* **Method 2: Spears/Wedges**
* Stand the peeled pineapple upright. Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half in half again, lengthwise, to create four quarters.
* Carefully remove the core from each quarter by slicing along the inside edge. The core is tougher and less palatable than the rest of the pineapple.
* Cut each quarter into 2-3 spears or wedges, depending on the size of the pineapple.
* **Method 3: Chunks**
* Follow the steps for creating spears/wedges.
* Cut the spears/wedges into bite-sized chunks.

### 3. Prepare the Spice Mixture (Optional)

While grilled pineapple is delicious on its own, a simple spice mixture can enhance the flavor even further. Here’s how to make it:

* In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves (if using). Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. The brown sugar will caramelize beautifully on the grill.

### 4. Season the Pineapple

* **Plain:** If you’re keeping it simple, you can skip the spice mixture and simply brush the pineapple slices with melted butter or coconut oil. This will help prevent sticking and add a touch of richness.
* **Spiced:** If using the spice mixture, sprinkle it evenly over both sides of the pineapple slices or spears. Gently press the spices into the pineapple to help them adhere.
* **Marinating (Optional):** For an even more intense flavor, you can marinate the pineapple for 15-30 minutes before grilling. A simple marinade could include lime juice, honey, and a pinch of chili powder. This will add both sweetness and a slight tang to the pineapple.

### 5. Preheat the Grill

* **Gas Grill:** Preheat the grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C).
* **Charcoal Grill:** Prepare the charcoal and let it burn until it is covered with a layer of gray ash. Spread the coals evenly under the grill grate. The heat should be medium.
* **Indoor Grill Pan:** Preheat the grill pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with cooking spray or oil.

### 6. Grill the Pineapple

* **Grilling Rings/Spears/Wedges:** Place the pineapple slices or spears directly on the preheated grill grate. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the pineapple is heated through and slightly softened. Watch carefully to prevent burning, especially if you’ve used the spice mixture, as the sugar can caramelize quickly.
* **Grilling Chunks:** If grilling chunks, you may want to use a grill basket or skewers to prevent them from falling through the grates. Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chunks are heated through and slightly caramelized.

### 7. Serve and Enjoy

* Remove the grilled pineapple from the grill and let it cool slightly.
* Serve warm, garnished with lime wedges. The lime juice adds a bright acidity that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
* Enjoy as a dessert, a side dish with grilled meats, or as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, or salads.

## Tips for Perfect Grilled Pineapple

* **Use a Ripe Pineapple:** The key to delicious grilled pineapple is starting with a ripe pineapple. Ripe pineapples are sweeter and have a more intense flavor.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked pineapple can become mushy. Grill it just until it is heated through and slightly softened, with nice grill marks.
* **Control the Heat:** Medium heat is ideal for grilling pineapple. Too high heat will cause the sugar to burn before the pineapple is cooked through.
* **Keep an Eye On It:** Because of the natural sugars, pineapple can burn easily. Watch it closely and adjust the heat as needed.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with different spices and marinades to create your own unique flavor combinations. Ginger, cardamom, and chili powder are all great additions.
* **Clean Grill Grates:** Make sure your grill grates are clean before grilling. This will prevent the pineapple from sticking and ensure even cooking.
* **Rest Before Serving:** Let the grilled pineapple rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and enhance the flavor.

## Variations

* **Coconut Grilled Pineapple:** Brush the pineapple with coconut oil and sprinkle with shredded coconut before grilling.
* **Rum Glazed Grilled Pineapple:** Make a glaze with rum, brown sugar, and butter. Brush the pineapple with the glaze during the last few minutes of grilling.
* **Spicy Grilled Pineapple:** Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the spice mixture for a touch of heat.
* **Grilled Pineapple Salsa:** Dice the grilled pineapple and combine it with red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, and lime juice for a refreshing salsa.
* **Grilled Pineapple Skewers:** Thread chunks of pineapple onto skewers with other fruits like strawberries, mango, and kiwi for a colorful and delicious dessert.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Dessert:** Serve grilled pineapple warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut sorbet.
* **Side Dish:** Pair grilled pineapple with grilled chicken, pork, or fish.
* **Topping:** Use grilled pineapple as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes.
* **Salad:** Add grilled pineapple to salads for a sweet and smoky flavor.
* **Cocktail Garnish:** Use a wedge of grilled pineapple as a garnish for tropical cocktails.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 100-150
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Sugar: 20-30g
* Protein: 1g
* Fat: 1-2g (depending on whether butter or oil is used)

## Conclusion

Brazilian grilled pineapple is a delightful and easy way to enjoy the tropical flavors of pineapple. Whether you’re grilling it plain or adding a touch of spice, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So fire up the grill and get ready to experience the sweet and smoky goodness of *abacaxi na brasa*! Its simplicity makes it accessible to beginner cooks, while its versatility allows experienced chefs to experiment with different flavor profiles. Enjoy!