The barbecue plus one method is a game-changer for anyone who loves hosting outdoor meals but despises spending all day sweating over hot coals. Originating from a clever Australian friend, this approach simplifies grilling by focusing on just one item on the barbecue and pairing it with a single, substantial dish served in a large bowl. It’s efficient, crowd-pleasing, and cuts down on both prep and cleanup.
What Is the Barbecue Plus One Method?
The concept is simple: choose one type of food to cook on the grill—sausages, chicken, kebabs, or even slices of cheese and vegetables—and prepare one big bowl of something else. That “plus one” can be a hearty salad, a grain dish like jollof rice, or a vegetable medley. The idea was born after a chaotic afternoon when the friend made multiple dishes and still failed to satisfy everyone. She vowed next time to limit the menu and focus on quality over quantity.
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If you want to take it a step further, add pitta bread so guests can stuff the grilled item and the bowl dish into a warm pouch. Squeezy bottles of sauce complete the experience, letting everyone customize their meal without extra plates.
Perfect Pairings for Your Barbecue Plus One
Here are some winning combinations that have been tested on Dorset and Devon beaches, as well as in gardens across Europe:
| Grilled Item | Plus One (Bowl Dish) |
|---|---|
| Sausages | Jollof rice with crispy bottom layer |
| Chicken thighs | Roasted aubergine with tahini dressing |
| Halloumi slices | Greek salad with olives and feta |
| Mixed vegetable skewers | Tabbouleh with fresh herbs |
Nigerian chef Aji Akokomi shares a particularly good version of jollof rice: basmati rice cooked with curry, thyme, ginger, red peppers, and fish sauce, developing a crispy, toasty bottom layer. Jollof rice offers a rich blend of sweet, umami, and spice that complements any grilled meat or vegetable.
Why This Method Works
- Less time near the coals – You only tend one item on the grill, reducing exposure to heat and smoke.
- Minimal dishes and cleanup – One bowl and one platter for the grilled food keep washing up to a minimum.
- Guests can self-serve – Stuffing everything into pitta means no plates needed.
- Accommodates dietary needs – Choose a vegan-friendly bowl dish and offer a meat or cheese option on the grill.
Tips for Hosting a Stress-Free Barbecue Plus One
Plan your bowl dish ahead of time. Grains, salads, and roasted vegetables can often be made the day before and served at room temperature. On the day, simply fire up the grill for the single protein or vegetable item. Keep sauces in squeezy bottles so guests can add as they like. This approach transforms a frantic cookout into a relaxed gathering where you actually get to enjoy the company.
For more inspiration, try our suggested dishes from the Branscombe trip: coleslaw, ratatouille, caponata, and the aforementioned jollof rice. Each one pairs beautifully with grilled halloumi, chicken, or sausages.
FAQ
What size bowl should I use for the plus one?
Use the largest bowl you have—a mixing or salad bowl works perfectly. Enough to hold a substantial dish that can feed everyone alongside the grilled item.
Can I do more than one item on the barbecue?
The idea is to keep it to one or two things on the grill at most. The beauty is simplicity—too many options defeat the purpose of reducing effort and cleanup.
Is the bowl dish always a salad or rice?
No, you can use any substantial dish that holds well at room temperature: pasta salads, roasted vegetable medleys, grain bowls, or even a hearty soup if it’s cool weather.
What sauces work best for squeezing?
Classic options include ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, yogurt-based sauces, or a simple vinaigrette. Choose ones that complement both the grilled item and the bowl dish.
Adopt the barbecue plus one method for your next outdoor feast. It saves time, reduces stress, and lets everyone enjoy a delicious, cohesive meal without the chaos. Whether you’re on a pebble beach in England or in your own backyard, this genius solution will change the way you entertain.
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