BBQ TOMATO AND BASIL SKEWERS
These vibrant BBQ Tomato and Basil Skewers bring together sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil for a light yet flavour-packed appetiser or side dish. Each skewer is brushed with olive oil and seasoned with freshly cracked black pepper, then briefly grilled until the tomato skins begin to blister, which intensifies their natural sweetness. Torn basil leaves tucked between the tomatoes release their aromatic oils under the heat, infusing the dish with a bright and herbal finish. These BBQ tomato and basil skewers are ready in ten minutes. These skewers are perfect for summer barbecues, elegant starters or quick snacks, which are naturally vegan, gluten‑free and low in calories. They prove that minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques can yield a restaurant‑quality result 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
Fritter
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cherry tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, torn
- Pinch of freshly cracked black pepper
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 34.0 kilocalories
- Fat: 2.4 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 3.0 grams
- Sugar: 1.9 grams
- Sodium: 3.8 milligrams
- Fibre: 1.0 gram
- Protein: 0.7 grams
- Calcium: 12.6 milligrams
- Iron: 0.3 milligrams
- Potassium: 182.3 milligrams
PREPARATION
- 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.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
4 minutes
TIPS
- 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
- Fridge: 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.