Vegetarian Grilling Delights: Beyond Meat – A Flavorful Journey

Grilling and smoking are often associated with sizzling steaks, juicy burgers, and succulent ribs. But who said grilling is just for meat lovers? Vegetables can also undergo a transformative journey on the grill, becoming deliciously smoky and bringing out unique flavors that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

The Art of Grilling Vegetables

Grilling vegetables not only adds a delightful smoky flavor but also enhances their natural sweetness and imparts a charred, caramelized touch. The high heat of the grill causes the sugars in the vegetables to caramelize, creating a depth of flavor that can’t be achieved through other cooking methods.

Selecting the Right Vegetables for Grilling

When it comes to grilling vegetables, some are better suited for smoking than others. Here are some top picks that respond exceptionally well to the smoky treatment:

• Eggplant: Smoked eggplant develops a creamy, smoky flavor that can be used in dips, spreads, or enjoyed as a standalone dish.
• Portobello Mushrooms: These meaty mushrooms become incredibly savory and satisfying after a session on the grill.
• Bell Peppers: Grilled bell peppers take on a slightly sweet, smoky taste, making them perfect for salads, sandwiches, and fajitas.
• Zucchini and Squash: These versatile vegetables become tender with a smoky touch, and their natural flavors shine through.
• Corn on the Cob: Smoking corn intensifies its sweetness, making it a delightful summer treat.
• Cauliflower: Smoked cauliflower develops a rich, nutty flavor that adds complexity to any dish.

Basic Tips for Grilling Vegetables

Before diving into the recipes, here are some fundamental tips for grilling vegetables to perfection:

• Preheat the grill: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the vegetables. This will create those beautiful grill marks and prevent sticking.
• Brush with oil: Lightly coat the vegetables with olive oil or your favorite vegetable oil to prevent them from drying out and sticking to the grill.
• Use skewers or grill baskets: Smaller or irregularly shaped vegetables can be grilled on skewers or in grill baskets to make handling and flipping easier.
• Don’t overcook: Pay attention to cooking times, as vegetables can quickly go from perfectly grilled to overcooked.
• Season to taste: Sprinkle your favorite herbs and spices over the vegetables before grilling to enhance their flavors further.

Smoky Eggplant Dip

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Smoked paprika for garnish
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Pierce the eggplants with a fork in several places and grill them over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred, and the flesh becomes tender (about 20-25 minutes).
2. Let the eggplants cool slightly, then peel off the charred skin and discard it.
3. In a food processor, combine the grilled eggplant, minced garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
4. Season the dip with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, garnish with smoked paprika and chopped parsley.
6. Serve with pita bread or vegetable sticks.

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Ingredients:

• 4 large Portobello mushrooms, stems removed
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 burger buns
• Lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion slices for topping

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, and minced garlic to make the marinade.
2. Place the Portobello mushrooms in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated mushrooms for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they become tender and have grill marks.
4. Toast the burger buns on the grill for a minute or two until lightly charred.
5. Assemble the burgers with grilled Portobello mushrooms, lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion slices.
6. Serve with your favorite burger condiments and enjoy the smoky goodness!

Grilled Zucchini and Squash Skewers

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, cut into thick rounds
• 2 medium yellow squash, cut into thick rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the zucchini and squash rounds with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly.
2. Thread the marinated zucchini and squash onto the soaked wooden skewers.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
4. Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the vegetables are tender and grill marks appear.
5. Serve the grilled zucchini and squash skewers as a side dish or alongside your favorite grilled main course.

These are just a few great recipes to take your grilled veggie game to a new dimension. There are literally countless ways that you can create unique sides and entrees that are bursting with flavor and will satisfy even the most finicky vegetarian on your guest list. Grilling is just one way to bring your veggie dishes to life. Stay tuned as we dive into using your pellet or wood smoker to make amazing creations like savory smoked salsa, flavorful dips and more.

Conclusion

Vegetarian grilling and smoking open up a world of delightful possibilities for creating flavorful and satisfying dishes. From smoky eggplant dips to grilled Portobello mushroom burgers and zucchini skewers, the range of delectable options is boundless. The art of grilling vegetables not only infuses them with a captivating smoky taste but also highlights their natural sweetness and textures.

So, the next time you fire up the grill, don’t forget to incorporate some of these fabulous vegetarian options. Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian or simply looking to explore new culinary horizons, these smoky vegetable delights will leave you wanting more, and your guests will be pleasantly surprised by the incredible flavors they’ll encounter on their plates. Embrace the adventure of vegetarian grilling and let your creativity soar as you explore the wonderful world of smoky, meatless delights!

Photo by Viktoria Slowikowska