Grilled peaches are a simple, flavorful summer dessert that highlight the natural sweetness of ripe fruit with a smoky, caramelised touch. This vegan version uses fresh, firm peaches, lightly seasoned with cinnamon and sweetened with maple syrup or agave. Serve them warm for the best flavor and aroma.
Ingredients:
4 firm, ripe peaches (preferably nectarines or firm peaches like Elberta)
1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
A squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions:
Start by washing the peaches, then cut them in half and remove the pits. Handle carefully if they are very ripe to avoid breaking the fruit. Lightly squeeze lemon juice over the peach halves to prevent browning, then brush them with maple syrup or agave nectar for a touch of sweetness. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Place the peaches cut side down on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes until you see nice grill marks and the fruit starts to caramelise. Carefully flip and grill for another 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still holding their shape. Once done, remove from the grill and arrange on a serving dish. While still warm, sprinkle with cinnamon or drizzle with a cinnamon-infused syrup if you like.
Serve the grilled peaches warm, optionally garnished with fresh mint leaves.
They pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments: you can serve them alongside vegan cheeses or nut-based spreads for a savory contrast, or drizzle with herb-infused olive oil and balsamic glaze for a more sophisticated touch. They also go well with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or peppers. For a lighter, salad-like option, add them to a fresh green salad topped with nuts and a simple vinaigrette. Alternatively, serve the peaches as a topping on toasted bread or crackers spread with hummus or tapenade for an elegant snack.
Enjoy your versatile and delicious grilled peaches!