Summer is ALL about grilling.
The usual stars are steaks, chicken, and fish. And side dishes tend to be the usuals.......asparagus and corn.
If you're tired of the same ole bbq menu, and looking for some fresh ideas and inspiration, I've got a list of 6 veggies you may not think of when it comes to grilling. But they are absolutely veggies you need to add to your bbq lineup!
These are my favorites because they pack a flavor punch, are easy to find (especially at your local farmers market) and will literally go with ANY main dish you're cooking up. And ALL of them benefit by getting good and charred which brings out the most amazing flavor.
All these veggies need is a little brushing of olive oil or melted ghee, some salt and pepper and then a sprinkling of fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary, and cilantro OR a combo of your favs).
What are your favorite veggies to grill? I'd love to hear all about them, so don't forget to leave a comment.
THESE ARE THE 6 VEGGIES YOU NEED TO THROW ON THE GRILL ASAP!
ZUCCHINI
Actually ANY summer squash, green or yellow, is delicious on the grill. Use a combo of colors for a fun variety.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
CARROTS
These may seem like a winter veggie, but they're available year round. Grilling them brings out a sweetness you can't get when you roast them. The natural sugars caramelize (this is what makes them super sweet), so be sure to allow them to sit on the grill until they get nice and dark.
MUSHROOMS
You can use large portobello mushrooms, and just lay them flat on the grill. Or use smaller mushrooms, just be sure to put them on skewers so they don't fall between the grates of your grill.
ROMAINE
Want to impress your family? Lay romaine on the grill to char it, then use it to make Caesar salad. If you've never had grilled romaine, you're in for a super tasty surprise. The flavor is a little bit smokey and you'll want to ALWAYS make your salads just like this. You can also grill kale and cabbage -- the heartier the lettuce the better.
EGGPLANT
Yep, I know, it seems like I've just added another winter veggie to the list. You can actually find eggplant in the market almost year round. The peak season is July to October. And, if you're lucky enough to live near an Asian market, go grab yourself some Japanese eggplant. Fun fact: the eggplant is a nightshade that is actually a fruit.
FENNEL
This can be a bit sharp and assertive when eaten raw. Grilling mellows the flavor and creates a lovely sweet undertone. Add it to your burger, toss it in a salad or top your grilled steak or fish.
I'm so excited you're cooking one of my recipes, so don't leave me hanging -- tag your pics #amenuforyou so I can see what's cookin' in your kitchen!
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