BBQ Expert

A grilled meal is not complete without delicious vegetables to compliment the meat. Vegetables can be used as side dishes as well as put right on your burger.

All three recipes are both delicious and healthy. Try the Thai Style Red Peppers for a sweet and sour zest or the grilled zucchini for a spicy addition to your meal. Pick the Cajon Portobello Buns for a unique twist on the popular mushroom.

Better Grilled Zucchini

Like meat, vegetables taste better grilled. This recipe from Chris’ grandmother in Spain makes a slightly hot and very healthy topping for burgers or a great side dish.

Ingredients:
2 zucchini sliced lengthwise
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp fresh basil leaves
2 small red chili peppers, finely chopped

Directions:
Grill zucchini on BBQ or indoor grill until slightly charred and tender. Combine remaining ingredients and let sit and marinate while you are grilling your burgers.

Nutritional information per 40 g serving:
Calories - 13; Fat - 0 g; Carbs - 2.8 g; Protein - 0.8 g

Better Cajun Portobello Buns

These mushrooms make a great topping for Chris & Tal’s Bet•ter Burgers or other barbecued meats. For carb-conscious people like Tal, they can even be used as a tasty burger bun substitute!

Ingredients:
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp good olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
Pinch of Cajun seasoning
4 Portobello Mushroom caps

Directions:
Clean mushroom caps by brushing them with a damp towel. Combine Worcestershire sauce with balsamic vinegar and whisk in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Brush mushrooms with dressing and sprinkle Cajun seasoning. Grill in a hot pan for 3 or 4 minutes on each side, until tender.

Nutritional information per 93 g serving:
Calories - 54; Fat - 3.3 g; Carbs - 4.5 g; Protein - 2.0 g

Better Thai Style Red Peppers

Chris picked up this recipe while he was traveling in Thailand and translated it to use North American ingredients. You’ll find these sweet and sour peppers make a great side dish, or you can put them right on your burgers for an exotic twist!

Ingredients:
1 red pepper, thinly sliced
1/4 cup of water
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp vinegar
4 tbsp cucumber thinly sliced
1-1/2 tbsp crushed peanuts
1 shallot, chopped

Directions:
Bring water to a boil in a small sauce pan. Add sugar and pepper slices and boil for five minutes. Let mixture cool and mix in vinegar, then add the other ingredients and mix together. Be sure to put both the peppers and the sauce on your burgers.

Nutritional information per 42 g serving:
Calories - 53; Fat - 2.6 g; Carbs - 6.2 g; Protein - 1.8 g