CHILI LIME PINEAPPLE

Putting an Indian spin to the grilled pineapples this summer! This chili lime pineapple is what you will be the biggest hit at your summer barbeque parties. It is tangy, smoky, and salty all in one bite, and you just can't get over this one!

I love a good summer bbq and this one fondly reminds me of the Barbeque Nation Pineapple that used to be served as a part of their vegetarian menu. My mom used to serve us, watermelon and pineapples with a generous sprinkle of chaat masala, or chili lime seasoning, throughout my IVF journey.

If you guys follow me on Instagram, you know my love for Trader Joe's chili lime seasoning. I pretty much add it to all the juicy fruits and enjoy, pineapple being just one of them.

So warm grilled pineapple, with a delicious nostalgic chatpatta seasoning, just makes sense! Not only me, but my family and friends love this recipe, and always ask me to make it during summers.

Jump to:

• Choosing a Pineapple
• How to Cut the Pineapple
• How to Grill The Pineapples
• Ingredients To Make the Pineapples
• Flavor Variations for Grilled Pineapple
• Expert Tips
• More Summer Recipes To Enjoy!
• Chili Lime Pineapple

Choosing a Pineapple

It's best to use a beautifully ripe pineapple. A ripe pineapple is a gorgeous yellow- orange hue, with a fresh stem and leaves. A dull brown pineapple is rotting and will be very acidic.

How to Cut the Pineapple

There are 3 different ways to cut a pineapple. I like to cut the pineapple into spears, and sometimes I just buy cut pineapple cubes from the grocery store if I am in a hurry.

Pineapple Spears - Cut the top and bottom of the pineapple so it is flat. Now run a large knife from top to the bottom to cut through the pineapple skin. Now cut the pineapple in half, cut it into spears, and cut the core out. You should be able to cut 12 spears from one pineapple.

Pineapple Rings - Cut the top and bottom off the pineapple. Lay it horizontal, and cut into rings about ½in to ¾thin thick. Remove the core from the center of each ring using a pineapple core or a cookie cutter.

Pineapple Cubes - Cut the top and bottom of the pineapple. Cut the pineapple in half, and further cut it into spears. Now cut the core from each spear, and cut the spears into large cubes.

How to Grill The Pineapples

The best way to grill the pineapple is to fire up your bbq and slowly grill it until they are charred. This gives the pineapple a beautiful smoky flavor. But if you don't have a bbq grill, don't worry. I got you.

Use a grill pan, and brush it with oil/butter. My husband is on a vegan diet, so I am using oil. Then place the spears on the grill pan and char slowly on all the sides! Let the pineapple char for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until charred.

Prepare the rub, and apply it using a lime wedge on the charred warm pineapples, as you eat! Or just mix the chili lime seasoning with some melted butter and apply on the grilled pineapples.

Ingredients To Make the Pineapples

• Pineapple - Use a beautiful ripe fresh pineapple. It should have a beautiful yellow-orange hue and fresh steam and leaves.
• Spice Rub - The holy trinity of an Indian spice mix for watermelon and pineapple used in India. I use Kashmiri Red Chili Powder, Chaat Masala, and Salt.
• Lime - Cut the limes into wedges, and serve it along with the spice rub.

Flavor Variations for Grilled Pineapple

• To make a sweet version of grilled pineapple, use melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon powder to make a rub. Coat the pineapple with the sweet cinnamon rub and serve!
• Use Trader Joe's chili lime seasoning or tajin, if you don't want to make a spice rub from scratch.
• Make a mix of coconut milk and rum/ or use coconut rum. Brush it on grilled pineapple to give a fun boozy spin to your grilled pineapples. I love piñacolada, so you know I love this spin!
• I like Tandoori Seasoning mix from Shan Foods Global.
• If You are using a grilling pan, once the pineapple is coated with the spice rub, you can also smoke it with charcoal (dhungar method). Same way we speak paneer tikka, or dal makhni at home.

Expert Tips

• You can either buy fresh pineapple or use pre-cut pineapple or canned pineapple rings to save you some time.
• Before flaming the grill, make sure you clean the grill and brush or spray some nuetral flavored or coconut oil on the grills, or a grill pan, whatever you are using. The pineapple will stick to the grills while charring, as it releases sugar.
• If you don't have a grill, you can roast these in the oven or make them in the air fryer too. For Air Fryer, I will air fry them at 350F for 7 minutes, flipping them half the way. Also add a little bit of water in the air fryer basket, so the pineapples don't dry out. Grease the rack with a cooking oil spray so the pineapples don't stick.
• You want to make the spice rub and cut the lime wedges before grilling the pineapple. This is because the pineapples taste the best when they are enjoyed right off the grill.
• You can store the grilled pineapple for 2 days in an airtight container. You can reheat it using a pan or a microwave. Reuse it by adding it to your salad, or just enjoy it as is.
• Add the leftovers if any, to your salad.

More Summer Recipes To Enjoy!