While many of us think about cooking steaks and chicken on the barbecue, don’t forget to save room for vegetables and fruits. Not only does grilling add great flavor to fresh produce, it also simplifies meal preparation according to the Produce for Better Health Foundation. Here are some easy ideas to try.
Vegetable Kabobs: One easy way to grill vegetables is to put them on a kabob. All you need is a wooden skewer that has been soaked in water for about 30 minutes and your favorite vegetables. When grilling vegetables, make sure to rub them with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking to the grill. It will also be important to time your vegetables to ensure equal finishing time. For example, grilled potatoes may take longer than a softer vegetable such as zucchini, so to prevent burning add the more firm vegetables to the grill first and make sure they are cut evenly.
Vegetable Foil Packets: Don’t have kabob skewers? No problem. Try a foil packet. This no-fuss way of grilling vegetables requires a 24-inch long piece of aluminum foil and that’s it. Toss together such vegetables as sliced peppers, onions, carrots, sugar snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, and broccoli / cauliflower florets with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add a few springs of fresh herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, if desired. Choose vegetables for which a range of textures from tender-crisp to almost roasted are acceptable to you. This is easier than trying to open the foil packet and check their degree of tenderness. Place your vegetables in the middle of the foil, drizzle with oil, salt and pepper or add any other seasoning you like, and fold foil over, pinching the edges together to make a packet. Simply put on the grill and check back in about 15 minutes, turning once during the grilling time. Open carefully as steam will come out. Cut open foil packets with a sharp knife and carefully fold back the foil so the steam can escape. Serve directly from packet.
Grilled Fruit: Grilled fruit is equally as easy and delicious as grilled vegetables. Simply brush the fruit with cooking spray or light oil (something with little flavor such as canola or vegetable oil) to prevent sticking and set on the grill until soft. You can also drizzle your fruit with a little honey before grilling for an extra flavor punch if desired.
Grilling is much more than just a way to cook your food. It is an activity that gets you outside to enjoy the weather and start your summer out right. And you don’t have to worry about a lot of pots and pans which is one of the nice things about grilling since there is very little clean-up. So make it easy on yourself and get grilling this summer; and enjoy more vegetables and fruits prepared in a new way.
Article released June 6, 2020
