How to Have a Vegetarian Barbecue

Most Americans attend or throw at least one barbecue each year, particularly to celebrate summer holidays. Standard barbecue fare consists of hot dogs, hamburgers, steaks and other meaty favorites. For vegetarians, attending a barbecue often means eating only sides or preparing a separate meal inside while the party is outdoors. Here's how to have a vegetarian barbecue that will wow even your die-hard meat-loving friends.

Instructions

1. Clean the grill thoroughly before use. If you're a vegetarian and somebody in your household eats meat, use foil to cover the grill. Even if you don't mind grilling your veggies on a grill used to prepare meat, one of your vegetarian friends might object.

2. Prepare a variety of side items. Mix the conventional barbecue accompaniments like cole slaw, baked beans and potato salad with more uncommon dishes like tabouleh and tofu fingers with dipping sauce.

3. Get a grilling basket for cooking chopped vegetables on the grill. Large vegetables like eggplant and corn can cook directly on the foil. Marinate veggies before grilling and brush with additional marinade and olive oil while cooking. You can't have a proper vegetarian barbecue without a plethora of grilled vegetables.

4. Offer a variety of entrée items for your guests. Choices for vegetarian barbecue items include vegetable and tofu kabobs and marinated tempeh steaks. Every barbecue has to have burgers and dogs, so don't forget the vegetarian varieties on these American favorites.

5. Give your guests healthy drink alternatives. In addition to wine and beer, set up a smoothie bar complete with juices, fresh or frozen fruit, yogurt and a blender. Place some recipes at the bar and allow your guests to mix their own concoctions.

6. Offer apple pie a la mode and fruit sorbet as a healthier option for desert. You can make the sorbet or purchase it in a variety of flavors from most grocery stores. Mango and raspberry are particularly refreshing on a hot summer day.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have vegan guests, they will be able to enjoy most of the food you prepare. If you want to have a vegan barbecue, eliminate toppings such as cheese for burgers and offer dairy-free sorbet and fresh fruit for dessert.

• If serving baked beans, make sure they are vegetarian. Many baked beans contain ham or bacon chunks for additional flavor.