The Vegetarian 4th of July - Meat-Free Barbecue Tips

These summer months are full of family, friends, and food. Barbecues are commonplace among outdoor activities. While these can be fun for all, it can be difficult for a vegetarian to find a satisfying meal at events full of grilled meat and pork-filled baked beans. There are many delicious options for a meat-free barbecue, however, from entrees to desserts, and they can be enjoyed by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Entrees

This is where vegetarians have the most difficulty. Rarely is there an option outside of meat on the grill. If hot dogs and hamburgers are the meat du jour of the barbecue, the solution is easy. Bring your favorite veggie burger or hot dog to the party, and have them cooked for you. These have become quite common in grocery stores, and are often found right in the regular freezer section. While there are many brands available, Boca and Morningstar Farms are the most popular for burgers; Morningstar Farms has a good veggie dog as well.

If veggie burgers aren't your thing, or if you're just in the mood to make something different, there is still a simple solution. Take extra-firm tofu (any other kind will crumble on the grill), soak it briefly in your favorite sauce or marinade, and grill it. An extra tip: Place it on a sheet of aluminum foil to avoid losing any pieces that may break off. This also protects the tofu from touching any surfaces where meat has been cooked. You can add vegetables to the foil and have a tasty grilled tofu and veggie plate.

Kabobs are another challenge, but they are an easy one to overcome. One can simply leave off the meat and skewer any vegetables that are available. For some protein, add some marinated extra-firm tofu to the skewer. It's a delicious alternative to meat.

Side Dishes and Desserts

Side dishes and desserts are usually less of a problem for a vegetarian, but can be problematic for a vegan (who eats no animal products including dairy and eggs). Many side dishes, such as cole slaw or macaroni salad, are made with mayonnaise or eggs. And desserts are frequently made with cream or eggs.

The simplest fix is to have a veggie platter with some dips. Obviously, some dips will contain things a vegan cannot eat, but an oil-based dressing should be fine. A large tossed salad is another easy side dish that can be enjoyed by both vegetarians and meat-eaters. As an added bonus, it's a much healthier option than potato or macaroni salad.

Having some tasty fresh summer fruits out at dessert can be an easy way to satisfy a vegan guest. Grilled pineapple rings sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar are a great way to make a flavorful treat that has no dairy or eggs in it. It is a treat that can be enjoyed by all, not just vegans and vegetarians.

The key to satisfying a vegetarian at your next barbecue is tolerance. You vegetarian friends are not trying to be difficult, nor do they expect anyone to bend over backwards to accommodate them. However, when you invite someone to a party that has different eating habits, the courteous thing to do is make sure you have something they can eat and be satisfied with. It's the same as preparing a dish for someone with a food allergy. If you are unsure about the parameters of a friend's eating habits, ask. Any vegetarian out there would rather receive a call from the host of a party in advance than arrive to discover they will be going hungry all night.

It isn't difficult to accommodate a vegetarian at a barbecue. Most of the alternative dishes can be cooked alongside meat (as long as they don't touch, most vegetarians would prefer it if meat didn't touch their meal). They are all delicious options. Te meat eaters at the party may even become jealous of the tasty treats vegetarians get to have.