By Kim Pearson
Think BBQs are all about fatty sausages and burgers? Think again! Here are some ideas for a delicious healthy BBQ.
Kebabs are a great way to cook things on the barbie and are easy to eat standing up.
Seafood Skewers
Skewer prawns and squid pieces – they cook on the BBQ in minutes. You can marinate them beforehand in some finely chopped garlic and olive oil.
Monkfish and Mango
Add a gourmet edge to your BBQ. Alternate monkfish chunks with chunks of mango and squeeze over some fresh lime juice. Great served with an avocado and herb salad.
Oriental Spiced Chicken
Marinate chicken pieces in spices such as Chinese five spice, ginger, garlic and a little soy sauce. Chilli is optional.
Veggie Kebabs
Skewer veggies such as cherry tomatoes, red onion and bell peppers. Add marinated tofu chunks for a great source of vegetarian protein.
Veggies There are so many ways to cook veggies on the BBQ, here are a few ideas.
Garlic Mushrooms
Choose large field/portobello mushrooms, spray with olive oil and sprinkle with finely chopped garlic and herbs. These are delicious.
Asparagus
Asparagus grill so well on the BBQ. Spray lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with some black pepper and sea salt.
Aubergine
Cut into 1/2cm thick rounds, marinate beforehand in a little olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and some chopped herbs. Cook until crisp on the outside and gooey in the middle.
Sweet Potato
Wrap in some tin foil and place in the BBQ coals.
Meat, Fish and Veggie Alternatives
Burgers
Make your own burgers simply from lean organic mince, chopped onion and herbs, bound together with egg yolk. Combine the ingredients and shape into patties. This way you know EXACTLY what has gone into them!
Salmon
Layer some thinly sliced lemon on salmon fillets, wrap in tin foil and cook on the barbie.
Meat Free
There are some great meat free alternatives to our BBQ favourites which are far lower in saturated fat and calories. I like Cauldron sausages. I’ve fed them to meat eaters in the past who haven’t noticed the difference!
Salads make a great accompaniment to any barbie.
Try rocket, spinach and watercress with halved cherry tomatoes. Top with toasted pine nuts and a balsamic vinegar dressing.
Make your own coleslaw with some finely sliced white cabbage, grated carrot and onion, use half low fat mayonnaise (I like Waitrose own brand which uses rapeseed oil) and half lemon juice to dress. You can use spices or fresh herbs to add flavour – try turmeric and fresh coriander!
Fruity Desserts
Pineapple
Cut pineapple into rings and dust with cinnamon. The natural fruit sugars will combine with the cinnamon to give a delicious sweet coating.
Fruit Kebab
Try skewering peach or nectarine chunks, whole strawberries and peices of apple. Eat them alone or topped with some plain soya yoghurt and fresh chopped mint.
Top Barbie Tips:
- Rule number one for BBQing – don’t burn things! Charred meat, especially, contain harmful carcinogens, strongly linked to cancer.- Choose quality – go to your local butcher for organic, free range meats.
- Marinate meat, fish and veg in herbs and spices rather than shop bought jars of sauces which are often high in sugar and salt.
- Bread is not a BBQ essential! Fill out your BBQ with fresh salads and BBQ’d veggies and you’ll wonder why you ever used to slap a burger between a tasteless, refined carb bun.
- Drink alcohol in moderation (this is more important than ever when you’re in the sunshine).
- Finally, wear plenty of sunscreen and keep well hydrated in the heat.
Your Comments