These summer months are full of family, friends, and food. Barbecues are commonplace among outdoor activities. While these can be fun for all, it can be difficult for a vegetarian to find a satisfying meal at events full of grilled meat and pork-filled baked beans. There are many delicious options for a meat-free barbecue, however, from entrees to desserts, and they can be enjoyed by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Entrees
This is where vegetarians have the most difficulty. Rarely is there an option outside of meat on the grill. If hot dogs and hamburgers are the meat du jour of the barbecue, the solution is easy. Bring your favorite veggie burger or hot dog to the party, and have them cooked for you. These have become quite common in grocery stores, and are often found right in the regular freezer section. While there are many brands available, Boca and Morningstar Farms are the most popular for burgers; Morningstar Farms has a good veggie dog as well.
If veggie burgers aren't your thing, or if you're just in the mood to make something different, there is still a simple solution. Take extra-firm tofu (any other kind will crumble on the grill), soak it briefly in your favorite sauce or marinade, and grill it. An extra tip: Place it on a sheet of aluminum foil to avoid losing any pieces that may break off. This also protects the tofu from touching any surfaces where meat has been cooked. You can add vegetables to the foil and have a tasty grilled tofu and veggie plate.
Kabobs are another challenge, but they are an easy one to overcome. One can simply leave off the meat and skewer any vegetables that are available. For some protein, add some marinated extra-firm tofu to the skewer. It's a delicious alternative to meat.
Side Dishes and Desserts
Side dishes and desserts are usually less of a problem for a vegetarian, but can be problematic for a vegan (who eats no animal products including dairy and eggs). Many side dishes, such as cole slaw or macaroni salad, are made with mayonnaise or eggs. And desserts are frequently made with cream or eggs.
Entrees
This is where vegetarians have the most difficulty. Rarely is there an option outside of meat on the grill. If hot dogs and hamburgers are the meat du jour of the barbecue, the solution is easy. Bring your favorite veggie burger or hot dog to the party, and have them cooked for you. These have become quite common in grocery stores, and are often found right in the regular freezer section. While there are many brands available, Boca and Morningstar Farms are the most popular for burgers; Morningstar Farms has a good veggie dog as well.
If veggie burgers aren't your thing, or if you're just in the mood to make something different, there is still a simple solution. Take extra-firm tofu (any other kind will crumble on the grill), soak it briefly in your favorite sauce or marinade, and grill it. An extra tip: Place it on a sheet of aluminum foil to avoid losing any pieces that may break off. This also protects the tofu from touching any surfaces where meat has been cooked. You can add vegetables to the foil and have a tasty grilled tofu and veggie plate.
Kabobs are another challenge, but they are an easy one to overcome. One can simply leave off the meat and skewer any vegetables that are available. For some protein, add some marinated extra-firm tofu to the skewer. It's a delicious alternative to meat.
Side Dishes and Desserts
Side dishes and desserts are usually less of a problem for a vegetarian, but can be problematic for a vegan (who eats no animal products including dairy and eggs). Many side dishes, such as cole slaw or macaroni salad, are made with mayonnaise or eggs. And desserts are frequently made with cream or eggs.
Comments
I am glad to see more people bringing vegetarianism in as a writing topic.
Great ideas!
Thank You fer the info. Y'all might enjoy a bit of humor in my article "We are all vegetarians."
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