How to Grill Veggies
Grilling vegetables is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy their natural flavors. Here's a step-by-step handout guide for how to grill vegetables:
Preheat the grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat or about 400 degrees. This will ensure that the vegetables cook evenly and develop a nice char. (Note: If you don’t have a grill, you can grill indoors using the broiler in your oven or a grill pan on top of the stove.)
Choose your vegetables: Select a variety of vegetables that are suitable for grilling. Popular options include bell peppers, zucchini, summer squash, eggplant, mushrooms, asparagus, onions, corn on the cob, and cherry tomatoes. You can also use a grill basket, foil, or skewers to keep smaller vegetables from falling through the grill grates.
Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dry the vegetables thoroughly. Trim off any tough ends or stems. For larger vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant, you can slice them into thick slices or into halves. Leave smaller vegetables like cherry tomatoes or mushrooms whole.
Season the vegetables: Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle them with an unsalted seasoning blend. For some heat, you can use garlic powder, dried herbs like oregano or thyme, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes. Toss the vegetables gently to ensure they are evenly coated.
Grill the vegetables: Place the vegetables directly on the grill grates or use a grill basket, foil, or skewers for smaller pieces. Cook the vegetables over medium-high heat, turning them occasionally to prevent burning. The grilling time will vary depending on the vegetable and its size. Generally, it takes about 8-10 minutes for most vegetables to become tender and slightly charred.
Monitor the cooking: Keep a close eye on the vegetables as they cook. Some vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes may cook faster and require less time on the grill. Others like onions or bell peppers may take a bit longer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve your desired level of doneness.
Remove from the grill: Once the vegetables are tender and have developed a nice char, remove them from the grill using tongs or a spatula. Transfer them to a serving platter or a clean plate.
Optional: Add extra flavor: If desired, you can add extra flavor to your grilled vegetables. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over them, drizzle with balsamic glaze, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, or garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. You can also top with hummus or labneh.
Serve and enjoy: Grilled vegetables can be served as a side dish, added to salads, used as a topping for burgers or sandwiches, or enjoyed as a standalone meal. They are delicious hot off the grill or you can chill them and serve them as a salad over greens.
Remember to exercise caution when grilling and follow appropriate safety measures. Enjoy your grilled vegetables!