Grilling is a great way to have fun while cooking and you also end up eating healthier food. Charcoal grilling, in particular, gives your food a wonderful, smoky and aromatic feel and texture, and it is an easy way of adding flavor to food without much preparation. 

Foods are cooked in two basic ways on the charcoal grill, and that is either by the direct cooking method, or by the indirect cooking method. 

The direct cooking method is achieved by using enough charcoal briquettes to completely cover the bottom of the grill. These are then stacked together and ignited. When the coals are white, spread them over the bottom of the grill completely. Place the cooking grill or grate on top, and start the cooking process. It is a great way to cook foods like thin steaks, baked potatoes, hamburgers and sweet corn.

The indirect cooking method involves placing equal amounts of charcoal briquettes on every side of the grill bottom, and not in the middle. The briquettes are then lit and allowed to burn down to a whitish color. The cooking grill is then placed on top, and the cooking begins. Thick steaks, chicken, meatloaf, lobster tail, spare ribs, etc can be grilled by this method.

STEPS TO START A CHARCOAL GRILL

•    Arrange the charcoals in pyramid shape

•    Pour lighter fluid over them, wait a few minutes, then start a fire

•    The coal starts turning into a whitish ash, which is the time to start cooking on it.

•    Before beginning to cook, arrange the coals in a flatter position. 

•    A typical waiting time before starting to cook on ignited charcoal is about 20-30 minutes. For higher temperatures, start grilling early.

•    While cooking, lower the grid for a higher temperature, and raise the grid for a lower temperature.

The following are some approximate cooking times for some foods:

TIPS TO FOLLOW DURING CHARCOAL GRILLING

•    Always store the charcoal away from moisture. 

•    Never leave the grill unattended.

•    Never use gasoline on your charcoal.

•    Empty out the accumulated ashes in the bottom of the charcoal grill after each and every use. Make sure the ashes are completely cooled first.

•    Cover the cooking grill with a wide piece of aluminum foil before beginning to cook. This will eliminate the job of having to scrub the grill after each use. After the cooking is complete, simply remove the foil and dispose of it properly.