By Getty Stewart, Prairie-based professional home economist
Move over burgers and steaks – it’s time for fruits and veggies to hit the grill!
Grilling produce unlocks a new dimension of texture and flavour. The best part? It’s easy! Preheat your grill to medium high heat, brush produce with a little oil, season with spices, and cook until you reach your desired level of tenderness and charring. Finish with a touch of fresh herbs, cheese, honey, or a little citrus.
Here are 10 must-try fruits and veggies perfect for grilling:
Pineapple:
Grilled pineapple is a tropical delight! Slice into rings or wedges and grill until beautiful grill marks appear. Enjoy as is, use it in salsa, or on top of salads, burgers, pizza, or ice cream.
Bell peppers:
Grilled bell peppers add vibrant colour to any dish. Cut into large strips, brush with oil, and grill until slightly charred. Use in salads, wraps, fajitas, or as a delicious side dish.
Zucchini:
Zucchini grills like a dream in only 2 to 3 minutes per side. Slice lengthwise or into rounds, coat with oil, and Italian seasoning. Enjoy as a side dish, in pasta, salad, or stir-fries.
Corn on the cob:
Grilled corn on the cob is a summer classic. Remove only loose bits of husk and any visible silk; no soaking required. Place on grill for 15 minutes rotating often. Remove the charred husks from grilled corn, then serve with butter and a sprinkle of salt or Cotija (a Mexican cheese), feta or Parmesan cheese, chili powder and lime juice. Try grilling without the husk.
Eggplant:
Grilling brings out the rich and smoky flavours of eggplant. Slice, brush with oil, and season with oregano or thyme. Grill until grill marks appear, about 5-8 minutes per side. Enjoy as a side dish, in sandwiches, or as a base for delicious appetizers or meals.
Peaches:
Grilling peaches enhances their natural sweetness. Cut the peach half, remove the pit and brush cut side with oil. Grill until tender and slightly caramelized. Serve with a dollop of yogurt, a drizzle of honey, and mint, or use in fruit salad.
Portobello mushrooms:
Portobello mushrooms are a vegetarian’s grilling dream. Remove the stem, brush with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Grill until juicy and tender, about 5-7 minutes per side. Enjoy as a burger substitute or slice and use in wraps, salads, or as a flavourful topping for grilled meats.
Watermelon:
Grilling watermelon is a game-changer! Slice into thick wedges, brush with oil, and grill briefly on each side. Grilling intensifies the sweetness for a mouth-watering flavour. Enjoy on its own, or in a refreshing summer salad.
Asparagus:
Grilled asparagus is a simple dish perfect for appetizers, salads or sides. Snap off ends, toss with oil, salt, and pepper, and grill until tender with a slight char. Finish with lemon juice or Parmesan cheese.
Mango:
Grilling mangoes caramelizes the flavour and is simply divine. Cut into thick slices and brush with oil. Grill until you see beautiful grill marks. Enjoy as is, or as a topping for salads, fish tacos, or desserts.
Are you ready to fire up the grill and try these mouth-watering grilled fruits and veggies?
About the author
Getty Stewart is a professional home economist, speaker, and writer sharing tips and recipes for enjoying local, seasonal homemade food. You can find her at www.gettystewart.com.
