How to light a barbecue? A practical guide

The barbecue season started with the arrival of the May weekend. Late spring and summer are the perfect time to grill. Many people love spending time outdoors, and there is nothing better than the smell of fried food rising from a hot grill.

Grilling is not only a way to prepare tasty meals, but also a great pleasure. It is also an opportunity to spend time with family and friends.

Each of us probably has someone who will always light the barbecue for us, right? What if that person isn't there? Are you standing in front of the grill and wondering how to light it? If so, you're not alone. Many grilling enthusiasts encounter certain difficulties when trying to obtain the right temperature and even ignition of coal or briquettes.

In today's article, we will present reliable techniques and proven tips that will help you become a master at lighting the grill!

The history of grilling

It cannot be denied that grilling is one of the oldest methods of preparing meals. Few people know that the method of grilling food dates back to prehistoric times.

Already in the Stone Age, people used open fire to prepare food, and one of the natural ways was to place meat or fish on a grate over the fire.

In ancient Greece and Rome, open grates were used over fires. In India, traditional ovens were used in which meat and bread were baked on heated ceramic walls.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, grilling evolved as technology developed. Charcoal grills , both electric and gas, began to appear. This made this cooking technique accessible to many people.

Today, grilling is popular all over the world and plays an important role in various cuisines and cultures. People barbecue in their own gardens and even at various festivals and fairs.

How to properly light a grill?

If you're going to grill this season, you need to know everything about the process. Below we present the entire manual that will guide you step by step.

Step 1. The right fuel

At the very beginning, you should check what kind of grill you have. You can use charcoal, briquettes, gas or wood, depending on your preference and availability. Each type of fuel has its own characteristics that affect the taste of food and the method of lighting.

Step 2. Prepare the rack

Before placing meat and vegetables on the grill, make sure it is clean and ready to use. Check if there are any remains from previous grilling, as they can cause food to stick.

Step 3. Ensure air flow

If you can adjust the airflow in your grill , make sure it is open.

Step 4. Ignition method

There are many methods of lighting a barbecue . One of the most popular is the pyramid method, in which you stack coal or wood in the form of a mound, placing flammable material (e.g. paper) at the bottom and igniting it. Other methods include using special lighting accessories, such as gas lighters. Choose the method that best suits the type of grill and fuel you are using.

Step 5. Wait until it ignites

Once you light the wood or coal, give it a moment. Let them burn well. Coal or briquettes need a few minutes to light up and become covered with a layer of gray ash. For gas grills , wait until the fuel is heated to the appropriate temperature.

Step 6. Ready to grill

When your grill is properly lit and has reached a high temperature, you can start grilling. Place the food on the rack and watch the entire process, turning it regularly to ensure even browning.

And that's it! Now you know that lighting the grill is really easy and fun! Next time you will go much faster and you will be like a real grill master.

Barbecue snack ideas

You already know how to light the grill quickly and efficiently, but do you have any ideas for snacks? If not, we present you our tasty suggestions.

• Skewers - prepare colorful skewers and pierce them with various vegetables, such as peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, onions or cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle them with a little olive oil, salt and pepper, add smoked paprika, and then grill until they are soft and lightly browned.
• Camembert blue cheese - open the cheese package and spread it with herbs, smoked paprika, soy sauce and wrap it in aluminum foil. Place on the hot grill and grill until lightly browned.
• Caprese salad - a great addition to heavy dishes. Just cut the mozzarella and tomato into slices. Arrange them alternately, adding fresh basil leaves. Drizzle everything with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Grilled eggplant - cut the eggplant into slices and season with salt. Set aside for a while until the juice releases. Then rinse the slices and dry them. Grill them over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until they are soft and lightly browned.
• Grilled asparagus in bacon - wrap asparagus cooked in aromatic chicken broth in slices of bacon, add pieces of delicate Brie cheese, and then grill on a hot grill until the bacon becomes crispy and tasty.

If you want to learn more tasty recipes for barbecue snacks, click here !

How to serve grilled snacks?

You can serve the prepared dishes on paper plates . They are both ecological and hygienic. It cannot be denied that they save time, because all you have to do is throw them into the appropriate trash bin. Also remember about wooden cutlery, which will go perfectly with the rest of the disposable tableware. You can also use paper cups to serve various drinks (even hot ones!).