With the warmer weather and longer days, it is fun to enjoy meals outdoors. Here are a few tips to help you keep safe from the hot coals and the risk of food poisoning, so that you can enjoy some relaxation and tasty food in your leisure time.

1. Keep all your perishable ingredients in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them.
2. All frozen meat should be thoroughly thawed before you put it on the barbecue, otherwise they may appear cooked but still be raw on the inside.
3. If you touch raw meat or fish, thoroughly wash your hands before touching cooked foods and salads
4. Make sure your barbecue is hot enough before you start and turn your meat during cooking time so that it cooks evenly throughout
5. Do not use leftover marinade as a sauce unless it is first cooked
6. Don’t leave food out in direct sunlight and don’t leave food out for more than two hours.
7. Barbecues can be dangerous – take care – especially when children are around

Recipe idea – sheesh kebab

• juice of half lemon
• 450g/1lb lamb mince
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 55g/2oz fresh coriander leaves  (washed and chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 4 green chillies (de-seeded and chopped)
• ½ tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp black peppercorns (crushed)
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• 2 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp salt

More information

1. Mix all ingredients together
2. squeeze into 8 small sausage shapes or burgers – place on a metal stick if you wish
3. cook thoroughly on the BBQ (or in the oven/under grill)
4. enjoy!

https://www.bbc.com/food/recipes/lambkebabs_2214

more information

https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/recipes/bbq-picnic

Tanya Wright

Specialist Allergy Dietitian