3 Simple grilled vegetable recipes
Grilled Bell Pepper Caprese
2 red bell peppers, cut into 4 panels each
1 orange or yellow bell pepper, cut into 4 panels each
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into 12 slices
12 fresh basil leaves
1. Prepare the grill for direct medium heat grilling (350 to 400 degrees).
2. Toss the bell peppers with 1 tablespoon of the oil, salt and pepper. Add the peppers to the grill grates and grill, with the lid closed, 4 minutes per side or until tender and a slightly blackened in spots. Transfer to a platter and cool.
3. Arrange the peppers, mozzarella slices and basil leaves in an alternating pattern. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and serve. Makes 4 servings.
Nutritional analysis for each serving: 248 calories, 11 g protein, 5 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 21 g fat, 9 g saturated fat, 179 mg sodium
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Grilled Parmesan Zucchini
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 medium zucchini, about 24 ounces, sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick planks
1. Prepare the grill for direct medium heat grilling (350 to 400 degrees).
2. Heat 2 tablespoon of the olive oil in a small skillet over medium; add the garlic and cook until softened but not browned, about 2 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the parsley with the Parmesan.
4. Brush the cut sides of the zucchini with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with the salt. Grill 2-3 minutes, until well-marked but not charred. Turn the zucchini over and brush with the garlic-olive oil mixture; sprinkle with the parsley-Parmesan and grill until the cheese is melted and the zucchini is crisp-tender, about 2 more minutes. Makes 4 servings.
Nutritional analysis for each serving: 147 calories, 5 g protein, 6 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 12 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 273 mg sodium
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Mexican Street-Style Grilled Corn
2 tablespoons canola mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 teaspoon lime juice
1/4 teaspoon lime zest
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8-1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle chili powder
4 large ears corn, shucked
1. Prepare the grill for direct medium heat grilling (350 to 400 degrees).
2. Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice and zest in a small bowl. Combine the Parmesan, chili powder, salt, and chipotle chili powder in a second small bowl.
3. Place the corn on the grill and grill until the underside is lightly marked, about 2 minutes. Turn 1/4 of the way and repeat. Do that two more times, until the corn is marked all the way around. Transfer to a sheet pan or platter.
4. Brush the corn on all sides with the mayonnaise mixture; sprinkle with the chili-Parmesan blend and serve. Makes 4 servings
Nutritional analysis for each serving: 163 calories, 6 g protein, 28 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber 5 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 282 mg sodium
TIP: Grill vegetables to slightly less than desired degree of tenderness; they continue cooking after they are removed from the heat.