Grilling Veggies

I’m fairly certain that when most people think about grilling, it’s all about the protein. But I get excited about the grilled veggies (I’m comfortable being a weirdo), and I have grilled practically all of them at one time or another.

Okay, true confession: my husband has grilled them. My job is prep. We are a good team, because he under-seasons (Do not fear the salt, my love!) and I overcook (Jane + flame = veggie crematorium).

So first I am going to share some tips that will help you grill flavorful veggies with ease, and then we’ll dive into some recipes you can try today.

5 Tips for Grilled Veggies

Grilling seems to bring out the best in everything, and veggies are no exception. Here are 5 simple tips for perfectly grilled vegetables that are chock full ’o flavor.

1. 1. 1. Toss them with oil: A light coating of oil helps your seasonings stick and prevents your veggies from drying out and from sticking to the grill. Try our Balsamic & Basil Dipping Oil + Seasoned Salt.
      2. Give ’em a short zap: Dense veggies like potatoes and sweet potatoes cook faster and better on the grill when you give them a short trip through the microwave first. Try these Nashville Hot Sweet Potato Wedges.

         

      3. Use a grill basket: Leave no veg ungrilled! Even small or skinny vegetables like asparagus, mushrooms and green beans can be grilled if you have a grill basket. Why not try some green beans?

         

      4. Grill your lettuce (for reals!): It sounds crazy, but Romaine lettuce is positively delightful on the grill.  Grilling romaine lettuce is a simple and delicious way to add some charred flavor to your salads.
         
         Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cut a head of romaine lettuce in half lengthwise, leaving the core intact so it holds together. Brush each side of the lettuce with olive oil and sprinkle with Tastefully Simple Seasoned Salt.
         
         Place the lettuce halves cut side down on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes, until grill marks appear and the lettuce is slightly wilted. Flip the lettuce and grill the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes.

         Remove from the grill and let cool slightly before chopping and adding to your favorite salad. Enjoy!

      5. Watch the heat: Most veggies are best when grilled over medium or medium-high heat. And remember this rule: a watched veggie never burns. Keep an eye out, and move those that are cooking faster to a cooler part of the grill.

   3 Easy Grilled Veggie Recipes

   Now let’s move onto three recipes: one of my old favorites, one that we have about three times a week and one that I just invented. They are all DELISH in my humble opinion.

   Old favorite: Magic Potato Packets

   After you slice the potato, fan it out like this:

   

   Fold in the sides to make a packet:

   

   It’s done when the ’taters are soft and the bacon is cooked.

   

   Garlic Grilled Veggies

2. There is not really a recipe for this one; just use what you have! The basic formula is 1 pound fresh, washed & sliced veggies, 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 tablespoon of of Onion Onion™ Seasoning and Garlic Garlic™ Seasoning plus 1 teaspoon of Ultimate Steak™ Seasoning.

   Toss everything together and put it in a grill basket; grill over medium-high heat until they are as tender as you like them.

   

   The newbie (to me, anyway): Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Onion Dip

   My darlings, I must say that I hesitate to share this recipe with you because now I want all the sweet potatoes for myself. When y’all find out about this, there may be a shortage. Eek!

   I slice the potatoes sort of diagonally, so that I have a larger oval “plank” than I would if I cut them into circles.

   

   The glorious end result is positively tantalizing. You really should try it!

   This weekend, healthify your grilling adventures with a veg or two. They make a delicious side of course, but also use them as dippers, on pizza or in a sandwich.

   Vegeliciously yours,

   j*a*N*e

   PS: Don’t forget the corn!