3 Delicious Vegetarian BBQ Meals

As the weather heats up and the vibe gets more chill, it’s time to invite over a few friends, heat up the grill and get cooking. Even if you are aiming to eat as healthily as you can and have committed to a vegetarian lifestyle,  you can still fully enjoy the season of eating al fresco. These tasty and creative recipes are delicious, packed full of fresh veg, and easy to make. Bon appetit!

Nut-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 4 large portobello mushrooms, stalks removed and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp thyme
• 4 tbsp breadcrumbs
• A handful of nuts of your choice (walnuts, pecans or even cashews), toasted and chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step One: Light the grill!

Step Two: While waiting for the grill to heat, prepare the stuffing mix by heating 1 tbsp of olive oil in a frying pan. Add onions and fry until soft and translucent, then add the chopped mushroom stalks. When lightly golden, add the garlic, spices, breadcrumbs and prepared nuts and fry for two minutes.

Step Three: Toss the portobello mushroom caps in the remaining olive oil, with salt and pepper to season

Step Four: Grill mushrooms until tender, starting on the side with the cavity and flipping when soft. Remove to a plate when grilled through.  

Step Five: Spoon the nut mixture into the mushroom cap hollows and grill for a few more minutes, until warmed through.

These make great veggie burgers or served on their own with a green, quinoa or rice salad.

Barbecued Fruit Salad with Minty Lime Dressing  

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• A variety of fruit - try peaches, pineapple, apricots, pears, or watermelon - chopped into pieces large enough to not fall through the grill
• ½ cup plain yoghurt
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• ¼ cup mint leaves, finely chopped

Step One: Heat the grill to high heat

Step Two: Toss the chopped fruit in the melted butter

Step Three: Grill the fruit chunks, heating on each side for about a minute. Remove and allow to cool

Step Four: Whisk the dressing ingredients together. Plate fruit chunks on each dinner plate and drizzle with dressing. Sprinkle with chopped mint

Grilled Halloumi and Eggplant Stack

Halloumi is a firm cheese with a high melting point, which makes it perfect for grilling!

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• 1 package halloumi cheese, sliced in ½ inch thick slices
• 1 large eggplant, sliced in ½ inch thick slices
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges
• Tahini, if desired

Step One: Heat the grill!

Step Two: Spray or lightly brush the cheese and eggplant slices with olive oil

Step Three: Place cheese on grill for just a minute or two each side, remove and plate

Step Four: Season eggplant slices with a bit of salt and grill for three to four minutes on each side, or until grill marks show

Step Five: Stack on plates, alternating layers to desired height. Drizzle with lemon juice and tahini, if desired, and enjoy!