GRILLED PUMPKIN SLICES

GRILLED PUMPKIN SLICES image

Yield 6-8 people

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 small (1 1/2 to 2 pounds) pumpkin
1/3 cup best-quality, fresh-tasting extra-virgin olive oil, or as needed
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder

Steps:

Prepare the charcoal grill for direct heat. Light the charcoal or wood briquettes; when the briquettes are ready, distribute them evenly across the cooking area. For a medium-hot fire, you should be able to hold your hand about 6 inches above the coals for 4 to 5 seconds. Have a spray bottle ready for taming flare-ups. Lightly coat the grill rack with vegetable oil and place it on the grill. Carefully cut off the top and bottom of the pumpkin. Cut the pumpkin in half, from top to bottom. Scrape out all seeds and fiber from the cavity. Use a potato peeler to remove the peel. Cut the peeled pumpkin into slices about 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick. Place them on a cutting board or plate. Brush lightly with some of the olive oil. Place the slices on the grill grate; cook for about 2 minutes on each side; they should turn a caramel color with light char and be tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork (but not falling-apart tender). Using tongs or a spatula (or both, depending on what you find works best for you), remove the slices from the grill to a platter. (At this point, the slices can be cooled and refrigerated for up to a day; see headnote.) Drizzle the olive oil on them. Sprinkle with salt, then chili powder. Serve warm, or cover with plastic wrap and serve later in the day at room temperature. Recipe Source: From Smoke Signals columnist Jim Shahin.