Barbecues are not only for the carnivorous, yet vegetarian options are likely to put a frown on the face of the meat-eating barbecue master. Here are five vegetarian BBQ ideas that are carnivore-approved.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Authentic Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, is sold by street vendors in Mexico…typically at night. Bringing flavors from our neighbors in the south can be as elevated or as simple as you wish. A simple rendition of this tasty treat involves smothering grilled ears of corn in mayonnaise and covering it with Cotija cheese and ancho chili powder. You can eat it off the cob or cut the kernels off the cob and eat it out of a bowl. More "gourmet" options may include crema and cilantro. This is an excellent vegetarian item for meat-eaters because nothing needs to be altered. Elote is elote, vegetarian or not.
Pizza
It is easy to imagine how a pizza can be vegetarian. Just take off the meat. However, people forget that pizza can be barbecued in most average barbecues. If you don’t have a pizza oven attachment for your barbecue, that’s okay. You may not have 3 minute pizzas, but you’ll get that same amazing flavor.
Grilled Artichokes
Typically, artichokes are boiled or cooked in a pressure cooker, but after this happens, they can be added to the grill for a textural change, flavor enhancement, and enhanced presentation. If anything, this extra step in the artichoke cooking process should speak to grillers who want to add a little something to their veggie dishes.
Veggie Foil Packs
Onions, garlic, zucchini, mushrooms…you name it. Put it in a foil pack and put it on the grill with seasoning and butter, and you have a veggie masterpiece. Allow the vegetarians to bring their meat alternatives, and let the carnivores grill their meat! Everybody wins.
French Fries
Potatoes take some time to cook, so you have to cook them a bit on a cookie sheet before placing on the barbecue. Like artichokes, barbecued fries just make everything a little bit better. Add herbs and get some grill marks on those potatoes, and you’ll be in for a batch of fries that is better than the norm.
Vegetarian BBQs are good!
These options for vegetarian barbeque are carnivore approved because they don’t involve any alterations or “meat-like” products. They require no adjustment to the palate, and they can be integrated into “normal” meals without any concessions from the meat-eater or the vegetarian.
