BARBECUE TOMATO AND BASIL SKEWERS WITH BALSAMIC

BARBECUE TOMATO AND BASIL SKEWERS WITH BALSAMIC

Barbecue Tomato And Basil Skewers With Balsamic are a vibrant and flavourful dish that transforms simple ingredients into an elegant appetiser or side. The sweet cherry tomatoes are lightly brushed with olive oil, seasoned with cracked black pepper and grilled just long enough for their skins to blister, concentrating their natural juiciness. The fresh basil leaves are tucked between each tomato, which releases their oils as they warm and infuses the skewers with a fragrant and herbal depth. A drizzle of balsamic glaze at the finish adds a sweet yet tangy richness that ties the flavours together beautifully. These skewers are ready in only ten minutes, making them a perfect choice for summer gatherings, stylish starters or a quick plant-based snack. These Barbecue Tomato And Basil Skewers With Balsamic are naturally vegan, gluten-free and low in calories, showcasing how effortless methods can deliver restaurant-worthy results at home.

RECIPE CATEGORY

Appetisers

SERVING SIZE

1

CUISINE

Mediterranean

PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES

Barbecue / Grill

OCCASION/HOLIDAY

Backyard BBQ, Picnic, Party

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS

Vegan, Vegetarian, Wheat / Gluten‑Free, Healthy, Low Fat, Quick & Easy, Kid Friendly

DISH TYPE

Snack

INGREDIENTS

There are the following ingredients for Barbecue Tomato And Basil Skewers With Balsamic:

• 68 grams | 2.40 ounces | 4 cherry tomatoes
• 2.5 millilitres | 0.08 fluid ounces | ½ teaspoon olive oil
• 1 gram | 0.04 ounces | 1 tablespoon fresh basil, torn
• 0.30 grams | 0.01 ounces | ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

• Calories: 33 kilocalories
• Fat: 2.3 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0.3 grams
• Carbohydrate: 3.0 grams
• Sugar: 1.8 grams
• Fibre: 0.9 grams
• Sodium: 3 milligrams
• Protein: 0.6 grams
• Calcium: 7 milligrams
• Potassium: 169 milligrams
• Iron: 0.3 milligrams

PREPARATION

These steps are followed for the preparation of Barbecue Tomato And Basil Skewers With Balsamic:

• Preheat The Grill: Heat a barbecue or grill pan to high flame (around 200 °C). Ensure grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
• Thread The Tomatoes: Slide four cherry tomatoes onto a soaked wooden or metal skewer, leaving a small gap between each for even charring.
• Brush With Oil: Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each tomato skewer with ½ teaspoon olive oil. Rotate to ensure all sides are covered.
• Season: Sprinkle a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper over the tomatoes because the heat will bring out the pepper’s aroma.
• Grill Briefly: Place the skewer on the hot grill. Cook for 1½ to 2 minutes per side, turning once, until the skins begin to blister and char in spots.
• Add Basil: Remove the skewers from the heat and immediately tuck torn basil leaves between the tomatoes. The residual heat will release the basil’s fragrant oils without wilting it completely.
• Rest And Serve: Let the skewer rest for 30 seconds to cool slightly. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with any remaining basil leaves.

PREPARATION TIME

5 minutes

COOKING TIME

4 minutes

TIPS

Here are some helpful tips for Barbecue Tomato And Basil Skewers With Balsamic:

• Uniform Tomatoes: Choose cherry tomatoes of similar size for even cooking and consistent blistering.
• Dry Thoroughly: Pat tomatoes dry before oiling to ensure the oil adheres and reduces flare-ups.
• Oil Sparingly: A light brush prevents dripping and flare-ups while still encouraging char.
• High Heat: Grill on a hot surface to sear quickly without overcooking or bursting the tomatoes.
• Fresh Basil: Tear basil by hand rather than cutting with a knife to avoid bruising and dark edges.
• Serve Immediately: These skewers taste best hot off the grill, when tomatoes are juicy and basil is aromatic.

VARIATIONS

• Cheesy Twist: Add a small cube of fresh mozzarella between each tomato for a caprese-style skewer.
• Balsamic Drizzle: After grilling, finish with a teaspoon of reduced balsamic vinegar for sweetness and tang.
• Spicy Note: Sprinkle a pinch of chilli flakes or smoked paprika over the skewers before grilling.
• Herb Blend: Substitute or combine basil with fresh oregano or thyme for varied herbal flavours.
• Garlic Oil: Infuse the olive oil with a tiny pinch of garlic powder before brushing for extra depth.

PREPPING AND STORAGE

• Refrigerator: Store any leftover grilled tomatoes (off the skewer) in an airtight container for up to one day. Reheat briefly on the grill or under a hot broiler for 1 minute to refresh.
• Freezer: Freezing is not recommended because the texture of grilled tomatoes deteriorates significantly after freezing. Always prepare fresh for the best quality.