Vegetarian Barbecue : 15 Quick, Easy and Delicious Ideas

Yippee ! the BBQ season is upon us, and that means plenty of good times with family and friends. But if you want to go a step further than the traditional sausage and burgers, you may be running out of ideas. Don’t panic, I’ve compiled lots of ideas that have been tested and approved during our family meals (whether they be veggie or not). Simple ideas guaranteed 100% meat-free for your vegetarian barbecue. It will make even the most voracious carnivore friends and family salivate, from starters to dessert ! All this with (almost all) seasonal foods that are easy to find.

Some vegetables of course are essential: aubergines, courgettes, peppers, onions and even carrots and new potatoes. Then there’s the meat alternatives: vegetarian sausages, smoked tofu, black bean burgers and falafels. And finally, why not try grilling a few pieces of fruit: pineapples, mangoes, bananas, apples.

Vegetables

Aubergine

Aaaaah, the aubergine is by far the star of a vegetarian barbecue. As a bonus, it is in season during the summer, so you can find it at a local farmers’ market or nearby greengrocer. Cut into really thin slices to make a carpaccio or into thicker slices to make a patty. It is a must. For the aubergine to be a success, there is only one rule: plenty of olive oil. And yes, this diva is thirsty…soak it well so it doesn’t dry out and stays super tasty.

Courgette

Just like aubergines, courgettes are in season during the months when barbecues are in full swing. Cut into small cubes or slices, having that green on our plates will give us a clear conscience. Cut into larger cubes, add a bit of thyme or rosemary (ahh, the smell of summer) and you will have some succulent vegetable skewers. And remember, don’t skimp on the olive oil!

Peppers

When peppers proliferate on the shelves, that means summer is coming. They are a must for a successful veggie bbq. Green, red or yellow, you can’t go wrong. Tip from a pro: mix the 3 colours on skewers… visual explosion guaranteed!

Carrots

Not an obvious idea, but tasty raw carrots grilled on a plancha make a great side dish. A little bonus tip for people that like sweet and sour, try a maple syrup marinade and you will turn a simple carrot into a delightful experience for the taste buds.

Onions

Yellow or red onions caramelized with balsamic vinegar – so simple, but always delicious. Onions also make a great member of the skewer team to add a little flavour.

Potatoes

Potatoes will always do a fabulous job – small new potatoes or big potatoes cut into chunky chips. Add a bit of ketchup or vegan mayo for a gourmet touch. They are in season from September to March, so are highly recommended for late bbq’s.

Meat Alternatives

I know that you are here with a real wish to indulge. So vegetables: done, now let’s get down to business. I mean, we’re not rabbits after all!

Vegetarian Sausages

So, if you don’t know the term we can see you furrowing your brow from here. But, one taste and you’ll be hooked, pinky promise…and what’s more, this seitan version, deliciously spiced, from our friends at Wheaty, can be found in your nearest organic shop.

Smoked tofu skewers

Well, okay, it may sound like a cliché, but a nice piece of tofu on your skewers is a classic. And I can vouch for the smoked version from Taifun. It has the power to unite the whole world with tofu. Look for it in your local organic shop.

Buuuuut if you don’t have an organic shop at shopping-trolley distance from you, don’t panic, you can make the old tasteless white tofu block from the local mega-super-market tasty by marinating it in balsamic vinegar. It’s not on the level of taifun but it does the job!

Black bean patties

Fancy a big, dirty burger? I understand you, it’s not the healthiest option but every now and then you have to treat yourself. And just in time, I’ve found THE patty that will turn your Veggi-Mac into a historic feast. This little gem is made of black beans and cashew nuts and is a miracle for the taste buds.

Falafels

A great way to give your kebabs a bit more volume and is easily found in most supermarkets and organic shops. Dip the falafels in a big bowl of hummus and you have a winner.

The Little Extras

Feto

For a refreshing change, you can make cool little skewers with small cubes of feto (vegan feta made from fermented tofu). You should be able to find it in your favourite organic shop. It’s also great to use in cubes in a tomato salad with a little olive oil 😉

Halloumi

(Warning, this is veggie but not vegan)

Famous Cypriot grilled cheese – made from from sheep’s milk (nobody is perfect) and for veggies, it’s great on the grill.

And for Dessert

How about a little desert to finish of the meal?

Pineapple

Well, okay, it’s not exactly local, but I don’t know about you, when the sun comes out, I immediately feel like eating pineapple. It’s great for our barbecue as it’s just perfect grilled on a plancha!

Mango

It might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but the mango is also a super star of the grill. Be careful though as it tends to stick a lot, so choose well – not too ripe if you want to look after your plancha!

Banana

Small golden bananas are also a great way to end our little moment in the sun. They are also full of potassium and magnesium, so if you are short of double mag…

Apple

If you want to eat locally, apples are a good option. They cook well on a grill. The trick is to heat them up in water for a few minutes and sprinkle them with brown sugar before grilling them.

So there you go…

I hope these ideas have inspired you. Don’t hesitate to send us photos of your buffet on Instagram by PM to @lesbiofreres or with the hashtag # biofsveggiebarbeuc, we will be happy to republish your post.

Bon appétit !