Barbecue like a pro
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PHOTOGRAPHS: MAJA SMEND, ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES
“When you’re cooking on coals, even before you decide what food to grill, you need to get the basics in order: good quality fuel, a foolproof lighting method and a bit of know-how when it comes to controlling the temperature. And don’t forget the magic of smoking chips”
TOM SHINGLER, FOOD EDITOR
THE BEST FUEL Unless you’re going all-out with a log fire, charcoal is likely to be your primary heat source. But not all coal is created equal: ‘instant light’ coals are usually soaked in chemicals which, while useful for getting things going, can infuse anything that’s cooked above them with a petrol-like flavour if they haven’t burned off properly.