As the weather gets warmer, the days are getting longer and checking the UV becomes part of your daily routine again, it really is the perfect time for a BBQ. There is nothing quite like it for bringing your mates together and creating those slightly chaotic, but always fun, memories. So whether your uni house has invested in a proper BBQ setup or you’re planning on grabbing a disposable one from Lidl and heading to Bute Park, we’ve got some easy recipes you’ll definitely want to try out. 

Chicken Skewers

If you are looking for something that gives off the impression you have put in loads of effort without actually having to do too much, then skewers are your answer. They are vibrant in both their appearance and flavour, making them an excellent choice for your BBQ. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 cloves of grated garlic 
• 50 ml olive oil 
• Juice of 2 oranges
• 2 sprigs of rosemary, chopped
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper 
• 10 chicken thighs

Method 

1. Cut each chicken thigh into quarters and add to a bowl. 
2. Add the grated garlic, orange juice, olive oil, chopped rosemary, smoked paprika and seasoning. Mix well and make sure all the chicken is coated. 
3. Place on the skewers, making sure there is room around each piece of chicken. 
4. Cook on the BBQ until well coloured and cooked through for around 10 minutes.  

*Tip: If you are using bamboo or wooden skewers, try soaking them in water for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling to prevent them from burning. 

BBQ Burgers 

It’s a BBQ staple for a reason. Sure, you can grab pre-made burgers, but making your own is what will really make your BBQ stand out, and it doesn’t take long at all! They’re juicy, full of flavour and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. 

Ingredients

• 1kg minced beef (a higher fat content will give you juicier burgers)
• 3 tbsp BBQ sauce 
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• Burger buns of your choice
• Condiments (ketchup, mayo, burger sauce – whatever you’re feeling)
• 400g tomatoes, sliced into rings
• 3 large red onions, sliced into rings
• Lettuce leaves 
• Cheese slices

Method: 

1. In a large bowl, combine the minced beef with the chopped onion, garlic, BBQ sauce, salt and pepper. Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed, making sure not to overwork it or the burgers can become dense. 
2. Divide the mixture into equal portions. Roll each into a ball, then press down to form burger patties, aiming to create an even thickness so they cook consistently.
3. Place the patties onto a hot BBQ and cook for around 10 minutes per side for a pinker centre, or closer to 12-15 minutes if you prefer them more well done. In the final few minutes, add a slice of cheese to each burger and allow it to melt.
4. When it comes to assembling the burger itself, start with your base bun and spread your chosen sauce. Add the burger, followed by lettuce, tomato slices and cooked onion rings. Finish with another layer of sauce if you like, then top with the bun and serve immediately.

Words by: Jasmine Mitchell

Minty Lamb Koftas

Like your favourite kebab takeaway, but fresher, lighter, and even more flavour-packed. These lamb koftas have that meaty goodness but are perfectly balanced by fresh mint, which cuts through with a cooling, herby contrast that’s perfect for summer. Serve them with extra minty yogurt sauce, tahini, and fresh tomato salad wrapped in flatbread for the ultimate BBQ upgrade.

Ingredients

Lamb Koftas

• Oil
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1½ tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp chilli flakes
• 500g minced lamb
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley leaves
• 2-3 tbsp finely chopped mint leaves
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Wooden skewers

Mint yogurt sauce

• Small bunch of mint, leaves only
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2–3 tbsp natural yoghurt
• Black pepper, ground
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Tomato Salad

• 2 medium salad tomatoes, diced
• ¼ thinly sliced red onion
• 1 tbsp basil, chopped
• Salt
• Black pepper
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Method:

Mint Yogurt Sauce & Tomato Salad

1. Crush the mint leaves using a mortar and pestle to release their aromatics. Then mix in the rest of the ingredients for the mint sauce.
2. Combine all the ingredients required for the tomato salad in a small bowl and set aside.

Lamb Koftas

1. Add the diced onion and garlic into a mixing bowl, then add the lamb mince and the chopped herbs along with cumin, chilli flakes, a tsp of salt and black pepper, and a drizzle of oil. Mix well until combined.
2. Take a fistful of the mixture and mould it onto a wooden skewer. Shape into approximately 15 cm long and 1-inch-thick logs and drizzle with a bit more oil before setting in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm.
3. Place the chilled koftas on the grill for 7-9 minutes, turning occasionally so that all sides are evenly browned.
4. Serve the warm koftas in flatbread alongside the mint yogurt sauce and tomato salad.

Words by: Eiriana Zhou

Featured image courtesy of Evan Wise via Unsplash. No changes have been made to this image. Image licence found here.