By Jennie
I live in Texas, and while I was adverse to barbecue (or is it barbeque? I live here and I have no clue the actual spelling) for YEARS, I came around about five years ago and (until recently) came to really enjoy brisket, smoked turkey, ribs, pulled pork, etc.
(Brie & Briskey Quesadillas from jasonandshawnda.com)
As a new vegetarian, going into my first vegetarian summer, I'm a little sad about all the barbecue I'm going to miss out on this year. I'm assuming many vegetarians that have come before me have faced the same dilemma, so.....what do vegetarians most enjoy to fill the barbecue void?
I could use some help: recipes, products, tips, yada yada. Thanks in advance!
I think that barbecue in Texas is an entirely different thing than a barbecue in New England.
Anyway, I'll try my best to impart some advice:
Pineapple slathered in balsamic or soy sauce, grilled and topped on a portebello cap or veggie burger (Dr Praeger's are my favorite. Although once I found garbanzo bean and carmelized onion veggie patties at that were TO DIE FOR although I moved and I can't find them anywhere other than Wegman's. Which I no longer live near one). That's my favorite.
Jessica (justexpressive? Raven? What is she going by these days?) posted a while ago about Field Roast vegan sausages. Those are really good! Even my "I hate vegan and vegetarian and I ONLY EAT MEAT" boyfriend was fooled by these - and has asked for them after he learned they were meatless.
Really, a barbecue is all about the sides (same with Thanksgiving/Xmas/etc) so grilled veggies in balsamic, sweet corn, coleslaw, etc are all vegetarian
Also, I'm a big fan of the blog "Healthy Happy Life". This post has a lot of great ideas I'm dying to try
Posted by: emiliym | May 16, 2012 at 03:37 PM
Ugh. I don't think that link to the Happy Healthy Life post worked. Although my work's internet is stuck in the ice age so it might have worked but it's not working for *me*
http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2010/05/veg-bbq-menu-plus-20-foods-i-love-to.html
Posted by: emiliym | May 16, 2012 at 03:38 PM
I've been a vegetarian since I was 14. I think you can find a really good veggie burger, add cheese or soy cheese, all the fixins, and some good BBQ sauce.
Posted by: jodifur | May 16, 2012 at 03:54 PM
I'll marinate some tempeh, peppers, onions and pineapple and make grilled skewers. I also think the Field Roast veggie sausages are pretty good. I never liked regular hot dogs, but I do like veggie dogs... mostly as a delivery mechanism for a huge pile of sauerkraut, mustard and relish.
Posted by: stephanie | May 16, 2012 at 04:18 PM
One thing I'll do when we go out is get a baked potato, mist places offer them with chopped beef on top, which, no, but I'll still put barbeque sauce on it as well. It's actually pretty good.
Posted by: robin | May 16, 2012 at 06:26 PM
E: any and all of those names work :-)
Field Roast sausages are my favorite! Grill up an Apple Sage and top with grilled onions with BBQ sauce or an Italian Sausage with peppers and onions or a Mexican Chipotle in a tortilla with queso fresco and roasted corn.
Jonna's recipe for grilled eggplant is awesome.
I think my recipe for grilled corn with Serrano butter is on Style Lush.
You could always do veggie skewers, grilled veg topped with balsamic and olive oil or grilled portobello mushrooms.
Of course same sides apply: potato salad, coleslaw, vegetarian baked beans, watermelon, etc.
Posted by: Jessica | May 17, 2012 at 09:31 AM
I'll second/third the recs for field roast sausages -- those things are delicious, especially the apple sage kind. I made this blackened tofu on the grill the other night and it was amazing -- I'd highly recommend it.
Posted by: Kate | May 17, 2012 at 10:46 AM
...and the link for that blackened tofu didn't come through. Of course. It's here: http://www.dailygarnish.com/2012/03/crispy-blackened-tofu.html
Posted by: Kate | May 17, 2012 at 10:46 AM
As a meat eater who thoroughly enjoys and seeks out meat-free food, I've been in the same boat and I'm really enjoying these comments.
In my experience baked beans and cole slaw can make any/all other sides feel like a BBQ. Grilled veggies are always a hit for me. I also love making an orzo salad greek style with feta, olives, bell peppers, cucumber, and whatever else is laying around - toss with vinaigrette.
Would love to hear what you end up enjoying over the summer!
Posted by: Caitlin | May 17, 2012 at 10:58 AM