Written by Courtney Parrot, Brown County Ag Extension Office – Memorial Day is approaching and lots of people grill but did you know you can grill more than just steaks and hamburgers? You can also grill fruits and vegetables. The grill is a great method to cook fruits and vegetables because of how quickly they cook and the unique flavor it incorporates. You can grill almost any fruit or vegetable, so let your creativity flow.
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A few key things to remember when grilling fruits or vegetables – size matters. The smaller and thinner your fruits and veggies, the shorter the cooking time. Also, always brush olive oil on the produce before grilling as this will lessen the risk of burning and sticking. For a variety of fruits and vegetables, use wooden or metal skewers and make fruit/veggie kabobs for a nutritious side dish.
Try these recipes with your family:
Grilled Eggplant
Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants
- 2 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried or fresh oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat grill. Cut eggplant vertically (1/4 of an inch slices). Brush both sides with olive oil. Grill 3-4 minutes on each side or until grill marks are present. Transfer to serving plate and sprinkle with dried or fresh oregano.
Grilled Romaine Salad
Ingredients:
- Dressing
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Salad:
- 2 hearts of romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- 1/4 cup reduced-fat feta, crumbled
Instructions:
In a glass jar, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Cover and set aside. Brush hearts of romaine with olive oil. Place romaine, cut side down on rack of grill. Grill until marks develop and slightly wilted. Place each romaine half on a plate. Shake lemon juice mixture well and drizzle over grilled romaine, sprinkle with feta.
So get out outside and start up that grill for some healthy cooking. I hope everyone has a safe and happy Memorial Day. For more healthy grilling recipes, please contact Courtney Parrott, County Extension Agent – Family & Consumer Sciences at 325-646-0386 or [email protected].