Easy Grilled Vegetables
Easy Grilled Vegetables Recipe - Authentic Italian Flavor
Introduction
Grilled vegetables are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be enjoyed all year round. This recipe for Easy Grilled Vegetables is simple to make and bursting with flavor.
History
Grilling vegetables has been a popular cooking method for centuries, as it brings out the natural sweetness and flavors of the vegetables. This recipe puts a modern twist on this classic technique, using Italian dressing to add a zesty kick to the dish.
Ingredients
- 12 pattypan squash (1 inch in diameter)
- 2 red or green bell peppers (each cut into 6 pieces)
- 1 large red onion (cut into 0.5 inch slices)
- 0.33 cup italian dressing
- freshly ground pepper (if desired)
How to prepare
- Place the vegetables in a rectangular baking dish measuring 13x9x2 inches.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables.
- Cover and let the mixture stand for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.
- Heat the coals or gas grill for direct heat.
- Remove the vegetables from the marinade and set the marinade aside.
- Place the vegetables in a grill basket [2] or directly on the grill rack.
- Cover and grill the vegetables for 10 to 15 minutes, turning and brushing them with the reserved marinade 2 or 3 times, until they are crisp-tender. The grill should be set to medium heat and the vegetables should be positioned 4 to 5 inches away from the heat source.
- Sprinkle the vegetables with pepper.
Variations
- Feel free to mix up the vegetables used in this recipe based on your preferences or what's in season. Zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms all grill up beautifully and would be great additions to this dish.
References
- ↑ One medium zucchini, cut into 1 inch pieces, can be used in place of the squash. If you like mushrooms, go ahead and add them for the last 10 minutes of grilling.
- ↑ If you don't have a grill basket, make sure the vegetable pieces are large enough so they don't fall through the grill rack. Cut the vegetables the same size so they'll cook in the same amount of time. Or remove vegetables from the grill as they become done.
- ↑ Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to cut the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Letting the vegetables marinate for an hour before grilling allows the flavors to meld together.
- Brushing the vegetables with the marinade while grilling helps to keep them moist and adds extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Easy Grilled Vegetables are delicious on their own, but can also be served alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. They also make a great addition to salads or pasta dishes.
Cooking Techniques
Grilling the vegetables over direct heat helps to caramelize their natural sugars and bring out their flavors. Be sure to keep a close eye on them while grilling to prevent burning.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have Italian dressing on hand, you can use a simple mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs as a marinade for the vegetables.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the vegetables and marinade ahead of time and let them sit in the refrigerator until you're ready to grill. This makes for an easy and convenient side dish for any meal.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the grilled vegetables on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
These Easy Grilled Vegetables pair well with a variety of main dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, or tofu. They also make a great addition to sandwiches or wraps.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover grilled vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Easy Grilled Vegetables contains approximately 120 calories, making it a light and nutritious side dish option.
Carbohydrates
This recipe is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
The main source of fat in this recipe comes from the Italian dressing used to marinate the vegetables. Each serving contains approximately 5 grams of fat.
Proteins
While vegetables are not a significant source of protein, this dish still provides a small amount. Each serving contains approximately 2 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Grilled vegetables are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. These nutrients help support overall health and well-being.
Alergens
This recipe contains no common allergens, making it suitable for those with food sensitivities or allergies.
Summary
Overall, this recipe is a healthy and flavorful option for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet. It is low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a great choice for those watching their intake.
Summary
Easy Grilled Vegetables are a simple and delicious side dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your next cookout or family dinner.
How did I get this recipe?
I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Easy Grilled Vegetables. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Sarah at her countryside home. Sarah was known for her delicious and healthy recipes, and that day she decided to make grilled vegetables for lunch.
As I watched her gather the fresh vegetables from her garden – zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes – I was intrigued by the simplicity of the recipe. Sarah explained that all you needed to do was slice the vegetables, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then grill them until they were tender and slightly charred.
I was amazed at how easy it was to make such a flavorful and colorful dish. The smell of the vegetables sizzling on the grill was irresistible, and I couldn't wait to try them.
As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the grilled vegetables and was blown away by the burst of flavors. The smokiness from the grill, the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes, and the earthiness of the zucchini all combined to create a delicious and satisfying dish.
I asked Sarah for the recipe, and she graciously wrote it down for me. From that day on, grilled vegetables became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and even as a side dish for weeknight dinners.
Over the years, I have experimented with different variations of the recipe. I added fresh herbs like basil and thyme, a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing, and even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for richness.
I learned to adapt the recipe based on the seasons, using asparagus in the spring, corn in the summer, and butternut squash in the fall. Each variation brought a new dimension to the dish, but the basic technique remained the same – simple, fresh ingredients grilled to perfection.
As I continued to make grilled vegetables, I shared the recipe with friends and family. It became a crowd favorite, with many people asking me for the secret to making such flavorful and tender vegetables.
I remember one time when my grandson came over for dinner and tried the grilled vegetables for the first time. His eyes lit up with delight as he tasted the smoky, charred flavors. He asked me how I learned to make such a delicious dish, and that's when I told him the story of how I first saw the recipe at Sarah's house.
Since then, my grandson has become my sous chef in the kitchen, helping me slice the vegetables, toss them with olive oil and seasonings, and grill them to perfection. It warms my heart to see him carry on the tradition of making grilled vegetables and sharing the recipe with his friends.
As I look back on the many years of cooking and sharing this recipe, I am grateful for the simple pleasures it has brought to my life. The memories of gathering fresh vegetables from the garden, the smell of the grill on a warm summer day, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones will always hold a special place in my heart.
And so, I continue to make grilled vegetables, each batch a tribute to the recipe that has brought me so much joy and satisfaction over the years. I may have learned the recipe from Sarah, but it has become a part of me, a symbol of my love for cooking and sharing good food with others.
Categories
| Green Bell Pepper Recipes | Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends | Italian Recipes | Mushroom Recipes | Pattypan Squash Recipes | Prepared Salad Dressing Recipes | Red Bell Pepper Recipes | Red Onion Recipes | Zucchini Recipes |