About Grilled Vegetables

A healthy way to consume vegetables is by grilling them to be able to enjoy flavor variations and different textures at the same time. Grilled vegetables taste great by themselves or alongside a meat dish, making them a very satisfying part of any meal. Most vegetables can be chopped, sliced or grilled whole to create different flavor effects.

Significance

Grilled vegetables are a great way to add a distinct taste to a meal using fresh or home grown vegetables that are ripe and ready to eat. Gas, electric, wood or charcoal can be used to cook and grill fresh vegetables. Grilled vegetables can be served as a main dish or on the side with any lunch or dinner.

Function

Grilled vegetables can be placed directly on a seasoned grill, aluminum foil or inside a metal vegetable basket. Vegetables can also be grilled or seared on either side and then placed in a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven for slow cooking. Some grilled vegetables are marinated ahead of time with oils and vinegar to give them more flavor and taste. The grill temperature should be above 350 degrees before the vegetables are placed on the grate to assure proper searing. The vegetables should be turned frequently to avoid burning but long enough to leave black grill marks on both sides.

Types

Some of the most popular vegetables for the grill are eggplant, corn, potatoes, green peppers, red peppers, onions, garlic, mushrooms, squash and asparagus. Vegetables should be cut thick so that they do not fall through the grates. Be sure to choose vegetables that are crisp and do not bend or have soft spots or holes. Be sure to wash vegetables thoroughly before marinating and placing on the grill.

Time Frame

Vegetables should be grilled for around 5 to 10 minutes on each side, being careful not to overcook them as they could become mushy, fall apart and lose their flavor. For some vegetables that need to caramelize such as onions, they may need to cook a little longer. Combining vegetables to grill in aluminum foil to create a packet will allow flavors to blend together before serving.

Effects

The effects of grilling vegetables will be to have a strong grill flavor combined with the natural flavor of the vegetables. Grilled vegetables are a great accompaniment to meats such as steaks, ribs, chicken and fish. Grilled vegetables are also a great main dish for vegetarians, vegans and those abstaining from eating meat. Grilling vegetables is also an inexpensive way to create a well-balanced meal.

Resources

• Grilled Vegetable Recipe