Smoky Sweet Paprika Rub

FOR CONTEMPORARY SMOKED FOOD & GRILLED DISHES

A little smoke and a little sweetness add vibrancy to carrots grilled in a wire basket or smoked eggplant or onion slices.

When it comes to grilling and barbecue, flavor is paramount, and a good rub can make all the difference in transforming ordinary vegetables into extraordinary dishes. The Smoky Sweet Paprika Rub is a blend of aromatic spices that brings out the best in grilled vegetables.

At its heart is smoked sweet paprika, which imparts a rich and smoky depth to the rub. This is complemented by other spices like dried mustard powder, crumbled dried thyme, and toasted ground cumin and coriander seeds. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness and balances the smokiness with its caramel notes. Kosher salt or smoked salt helps to season the vegetables perfectly, while garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper round out the flavors.

This versatile rub is designed to enhance the natural flavors of a variety of vegetables. Before grilling, lightly oil your vegetables and generously coat them with this smoky blend. The rub not only adds layers of taste but also creates a wonderful crust that adds texture to the vegetables.

Whether you’re grilling peppers, zucchini, eggplant, or even corn, the Smoky Sweet Paprika Rub provides a tantalizing smokiness that elevates the overall experience. It’s a simple yet effective way to infuse your grilled vegetables with a unique and memorable flavor profile. Keep a batch of this rub on hand, and you’ll be ready to take your vegetable grilling game to the next level.

MAKES: ABOUT 1 CUP

INGREDIENTS:

• ¼ cup smoked sweet paprika
• 2 tablespoons dried mustard powder
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt or coarse sea salt or smoked salt
• 1 tablespoon crumbled dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon toasted ground cumin seed
• 1 tablespoon toasted ground coriander seed
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a bowl, stir together all of the ingredients until well combined. This mixture creates a flavorful smoky rub.
2. When preparing vegetables for grilling, lightly spray them with oil and then sprinkle the smoky rub over them just before cooking.
3. Any leftover rub can be stored in a covered container in a cool, dark pantry for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy its smoky essence on various vegetables over time.

SPICING TIP:

• Vegetables cooked over an open flame often don’t have much time to absorb smoky flavors. To enhance the smokiness, consider using strongly smoke-flavored ingredients such as smoked Spanish paprika, chipotle chiles, or smoked salt when seasoning your vegetables before grilling.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Grilled Vegetable Platter: Create a vibrant and colorful platter of grilled vegetables coated with the Smoky Sweet Paprika Rub. Arrange them artfully and serve as a side dish or appetizer at your next barbecue or gathering.
• Vegetable Skewers: Thread marinated vegetables onto skewers and grill them to perfection. The rub adds a smoky and savory dimension that pairs wonderfully with the charred edges of the vegetables.
• Grilled Veggie Tacos: Fill soft tortillas with a mixture of grilled vegetables seasoned with the rub. Top with your favorite taco toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
• Veggie Burger Toppings: Elevate your veggie burgers by piling them high with Smoky Sweet Paprika Rub-coated grilled vegetables. The rub’s smokiness enhances the overall taste of the burger.
• Grilled Vegetable Salad: Toss grilled vegetables with fresh greens, herbs, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and flavorful salad. The rub’s savory and smoky notes add complexity to the salad.
• Sides for Meats: Serve the seasoned grilled vegetables alongside grilled meats like chicken, beef, or pork. The contrast of flavors and textures creates a well-rounded meal.
• Charcuterie Board Addition: Add a bowl of Smoky Sweet Paprika Rub-coated grilled vegetables to your charcuterie or appetizer board. It adds a unique touch and a burst of flavor that pairs well with cheeses and cured meats.
• Grilled Veggie Wraps: Fill wraps or pita pockets with grilled vegetables seasoned with the rub. Add a dollop of yogurt sauce or hummus for extra creaminess.
• Pizza Topping: Use the seasoned grilled vegetables as a topping for homemade pizzas. The smokiness of the rub complements the cheese and crust perfectly.
• Stuffed Vegetables: Hollow out bell peppers or zucchini, stuff them with a mixture of the seasoned grilled vegetables, rice, and cheese, then bake until tender.