Utah: Grilled Sweet Onions

Yes, you guessed it, the state vegetable of the 45th state to join the union, Utah, is the sweet onion, and like so many other vegetables on the grill, the char and caramelization makes them a slightly sweet and very flavorful pairing for any meats you might also be grilling.

Ingredients

2 pounds sweet onions (such as Vidalia, Walla Walla, Maui, or Texas Sweet)

Olive oil for grilling

1 cup balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves

½ teaspoon crushed pink peppercorns (optional)

½ teaspoon kosher salt; more to taste

Instructions

Slice onions 1/2" thick. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and peppercorns to taste. Grill until onion slices are charred on both sides. Remove from grill and plate. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and sprinkle chopped fresh thyme leaves.

Try serving them along with pork chops or as a summer salad with sliced tomatoes.

As for a pairing beer, try a crisp, refreshing pilsner like Utah Brewing Collective’s Provo Girl or even, a probably easier to find, Pilsner Urquell.

Grilled Brussels Sprouts

Wyoming: Grilled Bison Burgers

Enterprising ranchers in Wyoming and the western United States are raising bison as a leaner alternative to beef, and the results are delicious and good for you. Bison meat is a great source of Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids, and it works great on the grill. Pair the burgers with a Zonker Stout brewed by Snake River Brewing of Jackson, Wyoming (or a Guinness stout in case the Zonker is too hard to find) to bring the tastes of the Great Plains to your own outdoor kitchen.

Jet Tila’s Mediterranean Kefta Kabobs

Jet Tila's Mediterranean Kefta Kabobs are a flavorful and aromatic dish, perfect for grilling. Made with ground beef mixed with grated onion, garlic, parsley, and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, sumac, and cinnamon, these kabobs are shaped into football-like portions and skewered. After resting in the fridge to let the flavors meld, they're grilled to perfection, creating a deliciously seasoned, juicy bite. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, these kabobs are sure to impress with their bold Mediterranean flavors. Yields 18 two-ounce pieces.