Whether you're a vegetarian, a vegan, or maybe entertaining one of these two, odds are you're wondering "What the heck can I use a barbecue for now?"
Well, as it turns out, you can barbecue loads upon loads of different types of tasty treats.
If you've been down in the dumps about not being able to barbecue, missing that smoky essence or that charred crust, you've come to the right place.
Throughout this article, we're going to be highlighting 5 of our "must-haves" for any plant based griller.
1. Pizza Stone / Pizza Accessories
The pizza stone is one of our go to favourites for plant based grillers.
Homemade pizza is a quick, easy and delicious meal. Vegetarian? Top with your choice of tomato sauce, cheese and vegetables. (Our favourites are broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, green pepper and spinach!)
Vegan? Substitute with your choice of dairy-free cheese, or ditch the cheese all together. Thinly sliced potato or sweet potato works as a great substitute layer for cheese (A peeler works great for this). Top with your choice of veggies and sauce.
Tip: If you're not in the mood for tomato sauce, mix some olive oil, garlic powder and chili flakes and spread that mix evenly over the dough for something a little more unique.
2. Skewers
Skewers are a fantastic option that allows you to throw a bunch of veggies together, giving you a wide variety of flavours.
Looking for some extra carbs? Mix in some mini potatoes. Have a gym bro that's looking for some added protein? Chop up some small cubes of extra firm tofu (so it doesn't crumble on the grill) and mix them in.
Tip: Tofu on its own can be pretty bland. When using tofu, make sure you firmly press out the moisture with some paper towel. Chop it into 1 inch squares, and marinate it for an hour or more in your favourite mixture.
Like chicken, tofu takes on the flavor of whatever you're cooking with. Be sure to mix it with something a little stronger such as souvlaki marinade or a barbecue rub. Place between foods such as onions or peppers to draw in the flavour.
Having a wok or grilling tray at your disposal is a great tool, especially for a plant based griller.
You can make a wide variety of delights from stir-fry to popped quinoa curry, and many more mouth watering treats.
If you're looking for something to hold small grains such as rice or quinoa, we recommend going for a solid wok to let you roast those foods directly on the grill.
If you're in the mood for veggies only, we recommend a perforated grilling tray, letting you expose your food to give it that extra flame exposure.
Tip: Don't be afraid to mix and match different seasonings and spices. Options such as stir-fry's are a great opportunity to create different experiences through added flavours.
Now a burger press kit, you may be thinking "What does a vegan or a vegetarian do with a burger press kit?"
Fact of the matter is, burger press kits are a great option to make home-made plant based burgers.
There are some pretty good store bought veggie burger options out there, but being able to mix and match ingredients allows you to create burger experiences you can't find in a store!
Tip: Try making some burgs with mashed up black beans for added protein and that "meaty" texture. Worried about moisture? Shred up some raw beets and mix them in. Not only do beets hold a ton of moisture, but they add some extra colour and flare!
5. Griddle
Having a griddle at your disposal is an absolute necessity.
It's a useful tool for just about every meal of the day. Whether it's a hash-brown scramble and pancakes for breaky, a quesadilla for lunch or a stir-fry for dinner, a griddle gives you the versatility for just about anything.
It's also a great tool for separating grill area if you're hosting some vegans or vegetarians for a BBQ. You can keep the meat on the grills and their food on the griddle so not to mix the two. A simple tip, but one that will surely be appreciated!
Not to be forgotten!
There are many other accessories that can be used for plant-based grilling, such as: stuffed pepper racks, a bloomin' onion rack, standard tools such as tongs, flippers and other gizmo's.
The bottom line: a barbecue can be used for much more than searing a steak or smoking a pork shoulder. All diets alike can enjoy the benefits and versatility grilling has to offer!