Summer!
In the UK, as soon as the sun comes out, the air is filled with the smell of charcoal as people get their barbecues out. If you’re like us, the sun just makes it so we can sit around outside – the barbecue works on dull days too! Sometimes we just use the barbecue to cook dinner – whatever the main part of the meal is, then we add salad, bread and vegetables. If we ‘have a barbecue’ then we will have a selection of different foods and make more of an effort. Desserts are great on the barbecue too and we often cook chocolate bananas, and flambéed pineapple or nectarines.
Barbecue ideas
Whilst there are several things you automatically think of as being suitable for barbecues, in reality, anything which can go in the oven can go on the barbecue.
These sausages work brilliantly in a roll with some homemade barbecue relish. Vegetable kebab skewers work great on the barbecue, use a mix of similar sized vegetables and add some tofu if you like. You could go a bit traditional with burgers, adding some spices to make them tailored to your needs. Plan ahead and make your own delicious bread rolls, add some homemade coleslaw.
Corn on the cob is another great barbecue food. Rub it with oil or butter, sprinkle with salt and/or pepper and red chilli flakes, then just add it, remembering to turn it often. Baked potatoes are great too, but as they are filling, we prefer to bake the smaller potatoes in their skins. We always scrub them, then boil for 5-10 minutes, then wrap in foil with a bit of salt. You can remove the foil for the last bit of cooking to get that really crispy skin, then serve with butter.
Of course, you can get loads of ready made chilled and frozen foods to go on the barbecue, but the addition of something homemade makes it more personal.
As well as corn on the cob, try barbecuing halved bell peppers, field mushrooms, tomatoes, whole spring onions, asparagus spears, slices of courgette or aubergine. You can marinade any of the vegetables first, either with a ready made marinade, or make your own using oil or yogurt as the base, then adding your favourite spices.
Sharing
What are your favourite barbecue foods? How often do you have a barbecue? Gas or charcoal?
As always, I love hearing about any recipes of mine you try, any ideas you adapt or suggestions you have for future recipes. Please share and tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter.
Leave me a comment below… I love to chat!
I hope to speak with you soon
Laurena x
ps… sorry for the very late post today! Busy day! Also, I’m planning changing the posting day, but I’m still working on which day fits in best!
