Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon – Easy Indian Dessert Recipe

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon – Easy Indian Dessert Recipe

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a super simple, yet incredibly delicious dessert that feels a little bit special, you have to try this grilled pineapple with cinnamon. It’s one of those recipes I stumbled upon when I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Honestly, it’s become a bit of a summer staple at my place! The warm, caramelized pineapple with that hint of spice is just… chef’s kiss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This grilled pineapple is seriously a game-changer. It’s quick to prepare – the marinating time is the longest part! – and even quicker to cook. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for almost everyone. The best part? It feels fancy, but it’s so easy that even beginner cooks can nail it. It’s the perfect ending to a spicy Indian meal, or just a lovely treat on a warm evening.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen:

• 1 whole pineapple
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little tweaks can make a big difference!

Pineapple Selection

Choosing the right pineapple is key. You want one that feels heavy for its size and smells sweet at the base. A little give when you gently squeeze it is good too – that means it’s ripe! Avoid pineapples with soft spots or a fermented smell.

Cinnamon Varieties – Ceylon vs. Cassia

I usually use Cassia cinnamon for this recipe because it has a stronger, warmer flavour that really stands out. But if you can get your hands on Ceylon cinnamon (also known as “true cinnamon”), it’s a little more delicate and fragrant, which is lovely too. Both work beautifully!

Sugar Options – Refined vs. Unrefined/Jaggery

I typically use regular refined sugar, but feel free to experiment! Unrefined sugar or even a little grated jaggery (about 2 tablespoons) will add a lovely caramel-like depth to the flavour. Just remember jaggery is quite strong, so adjust to your taste.

Grilling Considerations – Charcoal vs. Gas

You can use either a charcoal or gas grill for this recipe. Charcoal will give you that lovely smoky flavour, which is amazing with pineapple. Gas is quicker and easier to control, so it’s a great option if you’re short on time.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First things first, let’s prep the pineapple. Trim off the top and bottom, peel away the skin, and slice it into wedges about 1-inch thick. Don’t forget to remove that tough central core – it’s not very pleasant to eat!
2. Now, in a bowl, combine the pineapple wedges with the sugar, salt, and cinnamon powder. Give it a good toss to make sure everything is evenly coated.
3. Here’s the patience part: let the pineapple marinate for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavours to really meld together and the sugar to start drawing out some of the pineapple’s juices. I sometimes pop it in the fridge, but it’s fine at room temperature too.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, lightly oil the grates to prevent the pineapple from sticking.
5. Place the pineapple wedges on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side. Baste them occasionally with the leftover marinade – this helps them caramelize beautifully. You’ll know they’re ready when they have nice grill marks and are slightly softened.

Expert Tips

Want to take your grilled pineapple to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tricks:

Achieving Perfect Grill Marks

Make sure your grill is nice and hot before adding the pineapple. Don’t move the slices around too much – let them sit and develop those gorgeous grill marks.

Preventing Pineapple from Sticking

Oiling the grill grates is essential! You can use a brush or spray with cooking oil. If you’re still having trouble, try grilling the pineapple on a piece of foil.

Adjusting Sweetness & Spice

Taste the marinade before grilling and adjust the sugar and cinnamon to your liking. If you like things extra sweet, add another tablespoon of sugar. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper!

Variations

This recipe is super versatile. Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

• Vegan Grilled Pineapple: This recipe is already vegan! Just double-check your sugar source if you’re being super strict.
• Spice Level Adjustment – Adding Chili Powder: My friend Priya loves adding a pinch of chili powder to the marinade for a little heat. It’s surprisingly good!
• Festival Adaptation – Summer Mango & Pineapple Grill: During mango season, I love grilling mango slices alongside the pineapple. The combination is heavenly!

Serving Suggestions

This grilled pineapple is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a little something extra.

• Serve it warm as a standalone dessert.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a good idea.
• A dollop of coconut yogurt adds a lovely creamy tang.
• It’s also fantastic alongside grilled chicken or fish for a sweet and savory contrast.

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What type of pineapple is best for grilling?

A ripe, sweet pineapple is best! Look for one that’s heavy for its size and smells fragrant.

Can I marinate the pineapple overnight?

Yes, you can! Just be aware that the pineapple will become softer the longer it marinates.

How do I know when the pineapple is perfectly grilled?

It should have nice grill marks, be slightly softened, and have a caramelized appearance.

Can I use a grill pan indoors if I don’t have an outdoor grill?

Absolutely! A grill pan works just as well.

What other spices can I add to enhance the flavor?

Feel free to experiment with nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of ginger!