Fourth of July Vegetarian Options
When I first became a vegetarian, I was pretty vexed by cookouts. I would show up to the big 4th of July or Labor Day BBQ with a patriotic appetite, only to find my stomach still grumbling by the end of the day for lack of a satisfying meal (the only vegetarian options being Kettle Chips, potato salad, and watermelon). Meanwhile, my meat eating friends would have their bellies stuffed full of hamburgers, hot dogs and so on. I eventually figured out that the best way to cope with this sort of situation is to bring something you want to eat, and grill it yourself!
Vegetarian BBQ Ideas and Options
While Garden Burgers may not make for the best grillables, there are lots of other vegetarian burger options that taste great after a good grill.
1. Boca Burgers – Boca makes some great soy burgers that taste pretty darn good after a good char! Try basting the burgers with a marinade (teriyaki for example) and adding grilled onions on a toasted sesame bun! They even make a soy burger especially made for the BBQ- The All American Flame Grilled!
2. Soy Hot Dogs – While these little fellas taste far from an actual hot dog, they’re delicious after a quick sizzle on the grill. Be careful when turning and picking up. These guys cook fast and will sometimes pop, blister, or even break in half if not watched closely! Wrapping in aluminum foil may help with this. Add vegetarian chili and cheese to make a chili dog, or chopped onions and tomatoes!
3. Baked Potatoes – An easy and inexpensive option! Wrap the potato in foil or place directly on the grill. Add sour cream and sliced green onions for a delicious snack!
4. Grilled Vegetables – The following vegetables are excellent for grilling: onions (red, yellow, or white), mushrooms, tomato, bell pepper, leeks, potato, yam, eggplant, turnip, carrot, zucchini, okra, asparagus, and more!
5. Grilled Eggplant Sandwich – Slice some eggplant slices into rings. Place directly on the grill. Turn over midway through cooking to make sure both sides are cooked. You can add a marinade of olive oil and oregano for extra flavor. When done, place between two slices of ciabiatta bread and add some mayonaise or veganaise, mustard, and arugula. Salt and pepper can be added to taste.
6. Grilled Bell Pepper and Feta Sandwich – Another tasty sandwich option. Grill the bell pepper, then slice into strips. Sandwich between two slices of ciabiatta bread with some feta or arugula!
7. Vegetable Kebabs – Not only are kebabs easy to cook, but they’re easy to eat! Chop up some veggies into “chunks” and skewer on a wood skewer. Place on the grill and rotate until all the veggies are cooked. You can also baste them with a marinade of oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs for extra flavor. Make sure it’s cool before you devour! Here are some excellent veggies for kebabs: onions (red, yellow, or white), mushrooms, tomato, bell pepper, leeks, potato, yam, eggplant, turnip, carrot, zucchini, okra, asparagus, and more!
8. Corn on the cob – An old favorite! Just make sure you bring extras because your meat-eating friends will undoubtedly want to try some! Add salt and / or butter to taste.
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Grilling Tips & Ideas for Vegetarian Cookouts
-If you don’t want to bring your own grill, and you don’t want your veggies to taste like meat, try wrapping your veggies in aluminum foil before placing them on the grill.
-Veggies tend to cook quicker then meats, so make sure you keep an eye on them and don’t wait until your friend says the burgers are ready to remove your treasures from the grill!
-Try different marinades and glazes to baste your veggies with for extra flavor. Olive oil, herbs, garlic, and lemon makes a zesty combination while chili pepper, cumin, black pepper and paprika turn up the temperature.
-Bring along some dips to dunk your veggies in! Ranch dressing (or vegan ranch) is great on cooked carrots and zucchini. Tzatziki (a greek yogurt sauce), hummus or pesto also make excellent dips.
-Try turning your grilled veggies into a sandwich or kebab.
-In the mood for something sweet? Try grilling up some fruits! Peaches, apples, and pears taste excellent post-grill! And if you’re up for something a little more elaborate, go here for some vegetarian grilled dessert options, many vegan and vegetarian:http://www.bbqshop.co.uk/barbecue-recipes/bbq_desserts.html
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