Image courtesy Filckr user, brooklyntweed.

It’s summer time and we’re once again ready for those most awaited barbeque parties. These parties offer lots of opportunities for people to explore new ingredients and create innovative recipes. But before stocking up on steaks, burgers and other traditional carnivorous fare, consider trying meat-free alternatives.

Whether you’re vegetarian or not, sometimes it’s good to take a break from the heavy meats (meat, chicken and lamb) and focus on getting your daily five to ten servings of fruits and vegetables. Exploring a vegetarian diet isn’t just about making healthier lifestyle choices. A United Nations report called for a global shift toward a vegetarian diet, citing the disproportionate amount of resources required to produce meat. Simply cutting back on meat consumption is one of the most significant ways to help the planet. So why not start at the grill?

Here are some great vegetarian and vegan options for your next BBQ.

Veggie Burgers

These are meat-less hamburger-style patties, usually made from vegetables, lentils, nuts, mushrooms or soy. One of the best reasons for choosing a veggie burger is to reduce saturated fat. Depending on its size, a regular hamburger has four to seven grams, while veggie burgers contains anywhere from zero to a gram, of saturated fat.

You can also try your hand at making your own veggie burgers out of boiled potatoes, peas and carrots. Here’s a great recipe.

Tofu Shish kebabs

Tofu kebabs are easy to make. Add vegetables and tofu to skewer and marinade for a couple of hours. Use firm or extra-firm tofu - medium and soft tofu doesn’t stand up to a barbeque. Try a chutney to compliment the kebab.

Corn on the Cob

There can be nothing simpler than grilled corn on the cob. Peel the husk before grilling and serve with a pat of butter and some salt and pepper. You can even have some dried herbs handy to add to them. Try adding white wine to the corn to add some flavour.

Stuffed Peppers

Cut off the tops of bell peppers and glaze them with cooking oil. Now add the stuffing. You can use brown rice, and cheese (soy cheese for Vegans). Add any sauces to the stuffing and any finely chopped vegetables, and then place on the grill. Check out this great recipe.

Baked Potato

The easiest way to grill potatoes would be to wash them, rub them with oil (keeps some moisture in and prevent it from sticking to the grill) and poke one end with a fork. This will help heat get in and moisture get out. Otherwise, your potato is at risk of exploding into a mess. Turn them regularly to get them evenly cooked. When done add butter, sour cream and seasoning.

Pizza on the Grill

Pizzas take on a whole new dimension when we throw them on the grill: the crust gets lightly charred on the bottom and the flavors meld into a smoky and intense deliciousness. After trying this recipe, you’ll never want to order in again.

Image courtesy Filckr user, danneinkk.

General Tips for Barbequing

Barbecues fueled by either natural gas or Liquefied Petroleum Gas are far better than those fueled with the average charcoal briquette which is immersed in petroleum solvents. The benefit of gas over charcoal is that there is less smoke, and therefore emits less air pollution. Also, charcoal briquettes can pose health risks, as they produce hydrocarbons, which can aggravate heart and respiratory problems. If you already have a charcoal BBQ, try to purchase natural and locally sourced charcoal.

Now that you have your grill ready, it’s time to cook! Use reusable or compostable dishware to serve your food and lastly send the leftovers home with your guests in reusable containers!