Hamburgers and hotdogs aren’t the only things suited for the grill. A touch of smoke and caramelizing flames do wonders for fresh vegetables. Grilling vegetables instead of cooking them in other conventional ways often changes the taste and texture and brings out their natural flavors. It can be a great way to get picky, primarily carnivorous friends and family members to enjoy a variety of different foods. Not to mention grilled vegetables make great side dishes for steaks and pork chop dinners to jazz up your meal instead of the traditional french fries or baked potatoes.
Almost any vegetable will do well on the grill but there are some that just really shine above the rest. Asparagus is often a repulsed vegetable that many have learned to love once thrown on the grill. Peppers, onions and even cabbage are all given a savory crispness when cooked over an open flame. Corn is especially convenient on the grill because it can be cooked inside it’s own husk, which acts as a heat container to cook the corn with minimal burning, or you can wrap it in tin foil with a little bit of butter. Grilling often brings out the best in mushrooms, especially portobellos, which are often considered the steak of vegetarians for their thick meaty texture. A little marinade and a quick sear on the grill and you can throw them between a bun and serve them like a burger.
As with meat, vegetables can be marinated before being put on the grill for extra flavor. This also helps keep vegetables from sticking. Or you can brush them lightly with olive oil for the same effect. To add even more flavor vegetables can always be sprinkled with fresh herbs or cheese. Smaller vegetables, like cherry tomatoes, or sliced vegetables do better when skewered into bamboo kebabs. A combination of tomato, pepper and squash kebabs can make a colorful variety to your dinner. For thin vegetables, like asparagus, you can use a grill pan to keep them from falling between the grill grate bars.
You can get more tips for grilling vegetables, recipes and even recommended cook times on the official Holland Grill website. JES Restaurant Equipment has outfitted thousands of home grilling enthusiasts with their perfect grill.
