Ah, grilled vegetables—nothing quite captures the essence of summer like their smoky, charred perfection. Just the thought of vibrant bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant sizzling on the grill can make my heart skip a beat. It’s like a symphony of flavors that dances on the palate, blending crisp textures with a hint of sweetness.
Steps
- Heat the grill to medium-high and apply nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cut the yellow squash, zucchini, cremini mushrooms, red onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and fresh corn into similar-sized pieces.
- Thread the prepared vegetables onto four metal skewers to ensure even cooking.
- Drizzle the skewered vegetables with extra virgin olive oil, and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8 minutes per side, flipping halfway through to achieve a light char.
- Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve with your choice of sauce or dressing.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray, for the grill
- 1 yellow squash, sliced into rounds
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 8 ounces of cremini mushrooms, stems removed
- 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 ear of fresh corn, sliced into 1-inch rounds
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
FAQ
- What are the best vegetables to grill?
- The ideal vegetables for grilling include peppers, summer squash, onions, mushrooms, and corn. These veggies cook evenly when cut into similar-sized pieces and can be skewered for an easy grilling process.
- How can I ensure my grilled vegetables are perfectly cooked?
- To achieve perfectly grilled vegetables, cut them to a similar size for even cooking, use metal skewers to avoid burning, and remember to flip the skewers halfway through grilling to get a nice char on all sides.
- Should I season grilled vegetables before or after cooking?
- It’s best to season the vegetables both before and after grilling. Apply olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling, and adjust the seasoning to taste once they are done. A flavorful sauce drizzled over the top can enhance their taste even more.
- What are some good sauce options for grilled vegetables?
- Grilled vegetables can be elevated with sauces like Greek salad dressing, cilantro lime dressing, or chimichurri. Alternatively, pesto, hummus, or chipotle sauce also pair well with grilled vegetables.
- How can I serve grilled vegetables as a main dish?
- You can serve grilled vegetables as a main course by drizzling them with a tangy dressing and plating them over grains like quinoa or farro. Accompanying them with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or a different preferred sauce makes for a hearty meal.
Tips
- Uniform Cutting: Ensure the vegetables are cut into similar sizes to promote even cooking and to allow for a balanced mix of flavors in each bite.
- Metal Skewers: Opt for metal skewers instead of wood, as they are less likely to burn on the grill, ensuring a safer and more efficient grilling process.
- Season Generously: Enhance the flavor by seasoning the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling, and adjust seasoning after grilling to taste. Pair with a flavorful sauce to elevate the dish.
- Rotate for Even Charring: To achieve a perfect char, remember to flip the skewers halfway through the grilling process, ensuring a nice, even char on all sides.
Equipment
- Metal Skewers – Essential for grilling the vegetables as they are reusable and won’t burn like wood skewers.
- Grill – If you don’t already have one, a portable or outdoor grill would be necessary.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray – Helps prevent the vegetables from sticking to the grill.
