Roasted Pineapple

Would you believe I bought a pineapple for the first time this week? The only pineapple I've eaten up to this point has been canned, buried somewhere in a Jello salad, or served pre-cut at a potluck. While these are certainly not bad ways to enjoy pineapple, sometimes you just need the real deal staring you in the face. Even if it is intimidating.

And it's sharp. With spiky hair reminiscent of a troll doll.

I'm afraid to let my kitchen inexperience show by telling you I spent nearly 15 minutes trying to figure out how best to cut a pineapple. As someone who enjoys food and likes to call herself a decent cook, I feel there are some things I should inherently know in the kitchen. Boning a chicken, properly braising meat, and cutting a pineapple all fall in this category. Do I actually know how to do any of these techniques? Well, no.

Then again, I've always been more of a baker.

But in my defense, I've watched someone bone a chicken (does that count?). Someday I plan on actually learning what the term braising means (it's good to have goals, right?). But as for the pineapple? I think I can finally cross that one off my list.

This Roasted Pineapple is fresh and pleasant. The pineapple is cut into rings, roasted, and sprinkled with brown sugar, which brings a deep, well-rounded flavor to the pineapple. For a twist, I added a sprinkling of freshly ground pepper. It adds a subtle, unexpected kick to the pineapple and surprisingly complements it well. Although unusual, I recommend you give it a try; it turns this simple dessert into something really special.

Roasted Pineapple

Yields 4 servings

4 fresh pineapple rings, cut 1/2 to 1 inch thick
2 teaspoons olive oil
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Preheat oven to 500 degrees F.

Lightly rub pineapple rings evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle freshly ground pepper over the pineapple. Place in a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes before turning over the rings and roasting an additional 10 minutes. While pineapple is still hot, transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with brown sugar.

Serve hot or at room temperature!

Comments

[Beth]

I love love roasted pineapple! It's also amazing grilled.

[The Chocolate Covered Kitchen]

I once lived in a rainforest where the closest thing to desserts were bananas or pineapple. We ate both fried (no ovens for roasting) with sugar, sometimes enflamed with rum, until I howled for a good old fashioned slice of cake or pie. But most memorable pineapple story was when someone told me pineapples caused malaria, and many others concurred. Later, when talking with a public health specialist researching mosquitoes, I told her, "You won't believe some of the old wive's tales here," and related the pineapply-malaria link. She listened thoughtfully, then said, "Makes sense." Why? Because the shape of the leaves holds water -- w/ the shift to plantation agriculture, pineapple production provided a great breeding ground for mosquitoes -- who spread malaria!

[MK]

I feel the same way about cutting pineapples. My husband and I just moved to Maui and now everyday at work I cut up about 30 pineapples......... I reak of them....... my poor husband. But I found that if the pineapple is ripe enough and you are strong enough, you can hold the spiky hair and just twist it off! You should try it, after I did it I felt an amazing amount of accomplishment...... like I just showed that stupid "apple" who is boss.

[Kristin Rosenau]

Beth-- Now I need to try it grilled....

The Chocolate Covered Kitchen-- Wow, I never knew that about pineapples. I mean, it makes sense after you explained it, but I would have never made the connection on my own. Just tell me you had chocolate while in the rainforest. I would have cried if I was separated from it for so long.

MK-- Haha! I never knew you could tear off the top with your bare hands. I totally have to try that now. I would feel so badass. Thanks for the awesome tip!

[Jessie]

I never thought that pineapple could ever look so delicious! This is madness, I will try this as soon as I find a fresh pineapple.

[brilynn]

Roasted pineapple is especially good with a little dark rum and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream :)

[Linda Kuczwanski]

I love roasted pineapple! I like to roast in on the grill for smokey flavor. I've even made roasted pineapple ice cream of it and it was a big hit!

[Kristin Rosenau]

Linda-- I must do this now. It sounds so good. You're going to create a monster of me.

[Annie]

I've never thought of roasting a pineapple before!! And the pepper sounds like a good idea, actually. (I've had a recent obsession with pepper lately for whatever reason).

And, I'm not sure how to cut a pineapple into rings. I've cut pineapples, but only into strips as I was taught. I guess I better get to learnin'.

Love the blog by the way. Very simple layout with amazing photography. Recipes look great too, but I haven't tried any yet. I will soon though!

[Kristin Rosenau]

Annie-- Thanks for such lovely compliments! You're too awesome!

I actually had to learn how to cut rings for this recipe too. :) After you've peeled the pineapple, simply cut the rings to your desired thickness and then remove the core with a sharp paring knife from each slice. Much simpler than wasting money on a pineapple corer!

[Mindy]

Every time we use our charcoal grill, we always throw some pineapple rings on it. BBQ'd pineapple is delicious!