Hosting a barbecue for your vegetarian guests isn’t a tall order – all you need to do is plan accordingly. Keep reading to find out more about planning and hosting your veggie-based barbecue.
DECIDE ON YOUR PROTEIN
Every cookout needs two or three main protein foods to ensure that all your guests get their fill.
Start by settling on a good vegetarian protein; non-animal-based proteins like mushrooms can work wonders on the charcoal BBQ grill. Combine your mushrooms with flavourful options like jalapeno, and you’ll give your guests a meal to remember.
Alternatively, buy some already prepared non-meat protein-like:
- Burger patties
- Drumsticks
- Sausages
- Hotdogs
You can easily pop these on the grill and enjoy your traditional barbecue food without breaking a sweat.
ADD LOTS OF SIDES
Now that you have your protein, it’s time to select your sides. Include as many vegetable options as you can to add variety.
Apart from the traditional sides like green beans, you can spice things up with unique dishes like tofu fingers. The key is to offer a spread with as many colours and flavours as you can to make the meal more memorable.
Here are some examples of side dishes for a vegetarian group of friends:
- Fresh leafy salad
- Corn on the cob
- Potato salad
- Mixed veggie roasts
- Fresh tomatoes and mozzarella
Don’t forget to get fresh-baked buns and bread as another delicious side element for all.
LOOK FOR THE BEST CONDIMENTS
The accompanying flavours of sauces and dips have to blend well with the rest of the meal. Choose a variety of vegetarian sauces and also whip up some dips.
Think about combining a variety of ingredients like:
- Mustard seed
- Balsamic vinegar
- Chickpeas/hummus
- Dijon mustard
- Nut milk sauces
- Avocado
- Black beans
INCLUDE DESSERT AND DRINKS
Your guests will appreciate a sweet treat to top off a great meal, so consider including a variety of desserts in your menu. Think of simple summer ideas like BBQ grilled fruits on a skewer or watermelon cubes that won’t keep you on your feet all day.
Also, consider providing a wide variety of beverages. Some guests will prefer beer, while others will go for lemonade or smoothies. Don’t forget to have lots of water at hand too.
MAKE YOUR GUESTS FEEL WELCOME
Nothing is more important than creating the right mood for a great barbecue. So make sure to:
- Create a fun playlist
- Get enough comfortable chairs
- Enjoy your barbecue in a well-shaded area
- Supply an excess of food and beverages
Also, clean the grill thoroughly if you’ve used it for meat prior to avoid any lingering taste. You can also use foil to cover the grill area and make extra sure meat juices don’t spoil your outing.
Additionally, ensure you have enough charcoal to fire up your charcoal BBQ. Remember to use only the best quality BBQ, which makes it easy to control the fire, so you don’t burn anything.
Now that everything is in place let’s make amazing meals and enjoy the company.
