Grilled Pineapple with Maple Syrup

This grilled pineapple with maple syrup is a delightful and easy dessert or side dish that perfectly balances sweetness and spice. The natural sugars in pineapple caramelize beautifully over the grill, creating a lovely browned surface that is accented by the warm notes of cinnamon and the rich depth of brown sugar. The maple syrup not only acts as a sweetener but also imparts a hint of smokiness, accentuating the tropical flavors. Perfect for summer parties or a cozy winter treat by the fireplace, this dish can easily become a staple favorite. It’s straightforward to prepare but results in a gourmet-like twist to everyday fruits. Whether you’re serving it up for family, garnishing it with mint leaves, or pairing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, the versatility of this recipe shines through. With minimal preparation time and maximum flavor pay-off, it's a must-try for all those who adore grilled delights. It is also adaptable for dietary needs, offering a honey substitute for the syrup. These caramelized pineapple segments are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, bringing a touch of tropical sunshine to your table.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Fresh Pineapple
Maple Syrup

Spices:

Cinnamon
Brown Sugar

Preparation Time

Total Time: 30 minutes (Preparation: 10 minutes, Grilling: 20 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Pineapple: Start by cutting off both ends of the pineapple. Carefully remove the skin, ensuring you also take out the "eyes" of the fruit.
Slice the Pineapple: Halve the pineapple lengthwise, then cut each half into two again, finally slicing once more to create eight manageable wedges.
Flavor the Pineapple: Drizzle the wedges generously with maple syrup, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
Add Spices: Sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar liberally over the wedges, coating all sides. Gently toss to ensure even distribution of the spices.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to a medium-hot temperature. Ensure it’s clean to prevent any sticking.
Grill the Pineapple: Place the spiced pineapple wedges onto the grill.
Monitor and Turn: Allow the fruit to grill on one side until beautifully browned and caramelized, approximately 4–5 minutes.
Continue Grilling: Rotate each wedge to ensure every side achieves a uniform golden brown hue.
Replace Skewers: If you've used skewers that might burn, replace them with fresh ones before serving.
Check for Readiness: Once all the sides of the pineapple are caramelized and the wedges have softened slightly, remove them from the grill.
Optional Glaze: Before serving, you can drizzle a little more maple syrup over the top for extra sweetness and shine.
Garnish and Serve: For an added touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve warm.
Enjoy Responsibly: The syrup and sugar create a delicious but sticky finish; be mindful of sticky fingers!
Alternative Sweeteners: If maple syrup isn’t on hand or preferred, substitute honey for a different kind of sweetness.
Watch the Heat: Be cautious not to burn the sugar or fruit; the browning should be even, not burnt.
Use Protective Gear: Ensure to use grill gloves and tools to prevent burns and mishaps.
Experiment with Spices: Nutmeg or ginger might be nice additions or alternatives to cinnamon.
Mind the Weather: If outdoor grilling isn’t an option, consider using a grill pan on your stove.
Clean as You Go: Caramelized sugar can be a chore to clean once cooled; take care to clean your grill or utensils promptly.
Leftover Ideas: Use any remaining grilled pineapple as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast.

Tips

Choose a Ripe Pineapple: For best flavors, ensure your pineapple is fully ripe; it should smell sweet at the base.
Skewer Alternatives: To avoid burnt skewers, consider using metal skewers which are reusable and heat-resistant.
Spice Alternatives: You can try adding a touch of clove or allspice for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 150
Protein: 1g
Fats: 0.2g
Carbs: 39g

Variations

Low Sugar Option: Reduce the amount of brown sugar, relying more on the natural sweetness of the ripe pineapple.
Spiced Rum Version: Add a splash of spiced rum to the maple syrup for an adult twist before grilling.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Serve alongside grilled meats such as chicken or pork for complementary flavors.

Best Places

The Pineapple Grill - Famous for expertly prepared grilled fruits. Location: 123 Tropical Ave, Honolulu, USA.
Sweet & Spice Lounge - Known for its whimsical fruit desserts. Location: 45 Spice Blvd, Marrakesh, Morocco.
Grill Masters of Bali - Offers an exquisite blend of tropical flavors. Location: 78 Beachfront Rd, Bali, Indonesia.
Maple Mist Bistro - A cozy spot specializing in syrup-driven dishes. Location: 90 Maple Lane, Toronto, Canada.
Flavors of Havana - Renowned for tropical fruit-infused dishes. Location: 101 Havana St, Havana, Cuba.
Island Spice Café - Ideal for a quick sweet and savory bite. Location: 89 Island Rd, Nassau, Bahamas.
Tropical Taste Tavern - Creative takes on grilled fruits. Location: 34 Sunset Blvd, Miami, USA.
The Cinnamon Club - Offers a range of spiced dishes. Location: 22 Cinnamon St, Delhi, India.
Grill & Chill Bar - Known for its excellent cocktail pairings. Location: 49 Cocktail Lane, Sydney, Australia.
Gourmet Paradise - Offers exceptional grilled fruit dessert varieties. Location: 60 Gourmet Ave, Paris, France.