Cook-out with ONE vegetarian... ideas?

[Anonymous]

So, we're having a cook-out and just found out that my husband's friend is bringing his vegetarian girlfriend. We had planned on burgers, dogs, and brats. Any ideas of something I can provide for this girl? I thought about a boca burger or something like it, but I've had those before and I thought they were kinda gross. Any vegetarians out there that can help me? I'd be willing to make something yummy from scratch, but I don't know ANY cook-out worthy veggie dishes. TIA.

[Anonymous]

Grilled portobello mushrooms and other grilled veggies (eggplant, zucchini, peppers, etc.)

[Anonymous]

Grilled vegetables taste amazing and your non veggie eaters can have them as a side. If you don't have a grill basket you can use skewers. Zucchini, peppers, onion, mushrooms are great but so are others like tomato, brocoli, and asparagus. After you cut them, throw them into a zip lock baggie with some olive oil and garlice, toss around and then grill.

Corn on the cob is amazing grilled. I prefer to shuck it, spread some butter on it and then wrap it in foil. It takes about 12-14 minutes. You can also be a little fancier by chopping up some red pepper, parsely and butter and placing this on the corn under the foil.

[Anonymous]

OP, here's a great recipe for grilled vegetables. You don't need to use all the veggies -- just try to find some that are in season (tough this early in the year of course.)

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/grilled-vegetables-recipe/index.html

[Anonymous]

You could make a potato salad - just halve or quarter baby potatoes, wrap them in foil with some salt, pepper, cumin, paprika and olive oil and throw on the grill. 20 minutes later they are perfect. Just add some chopped up red onions and some mayo. Yum! Plus, it makes a great side for the rest of you as well.

I also agree with pretty much any grilled veggie - we love it and throw some on the grill pretty much anytime it's fired up.

[Anonymous]

Can you just e-mail, text or call and ask what type of veggie burger she likes? Personally, I like them, but I know people tend to favor either the more "meaty version" like a Boca Burger or the more veggie version like a garden burger. They are really easy to cook.

Grilled veggies are great also, but you'll have to make lots, because the meat eaters will be eating them up also (not a bad thing, but could add to the grill work).

[Anonymous]

Grilled veggies & veggie burger just in case she wants it (and cook it on foil to keep things separate to be nice in case she cares). I don't like the Boca Burgers - I prefer the Morning Star regular Veggie Burgers. We always grill veggies and they are always good for everyone. Tons of different ways to do it.

[Anonymous]

AnonymousGrilled veggies are great also, but you'll have to make lots, because the meat eaters will be eating them up also (not a bad thing, but could add to the grill work). [/quote wrote:

Such a great point. I can't tell you how many times whatever has been prepared for me as a vegetarian was eaten by others before I got there!! I like spicy black bean burgers (especially with blue cheese dressing).

[Anonymous]

I don't know if others have had a different experience but I don't recommend grilling veggie burgers directly on the grill. I've found that because they don't have the fat content like a real buger does, they stick to the grill and completely fall apart. Could be that I'm doing something wrong...

Also, the times I've tried to cook a veg hot dog on the grill, it blows up and becomes super tough and inedible, resembling a football. Eeks!

[Anonymous]

If you grill a veggie burger on the grill, don't put it right on the grill itself. (A) She might find that gross. (B) It cooks too fast and dries it out really bad. Put the veggie burger on the upper rack, even where you put the buns for some grills. You can marinade them to make them less dry.

[Anonymous]

I am also the token veg in our social group. Like PPs, I prefer the "veggie burger" brand to Boca burgers. I also like Dr -- (second name escaping me) brocolli burgers. You can get them in the "natural frozen foods" section of most grocery stores or from Whole Foods. Both they and the Veggie burgers are cheap (no more than $5 per box of four) and you can have them on hand in case she would like one. I agree with the grilled veggies, but it's also nice to have something additional on the plate, in addition to the veggies (just like the meateaters will have their burgers, in addition to their grilled veggies). A nice couscous or pilaf (made with vegetable broth) would also be a nice complement.

[Anonymous]

I would make a pasta salad - goes well with bbq as a side and great for the vegetarian.

[Anonymous]

potato chips, carrot sticks, crudite, beer, cheese sticks.

in other words, she can eat sides.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:potato chips, carrot sticks, crudite, beer, cheese sticks.

in other words, she can eat sides.

That's true, she can. But it is so easy, and thoughtful, to just throw a portobello on the grill--I don't know a veg who won't eat one, although I am sure this is one out there somewhere.

[Anonymous]

Tofudogs are easier to handle on the grill than veggie burgers. But, I agree that both taste pretty blah. I would stick to marinated veggies and mushrooms. Grilled portobello mushrooms are fantastic.