You'll need a grill of some kind--hibachi, kettle grill, smoker or maybe even a campfire. Get the fire started, then start preparing the vegetables: cut them into quarter-inch slices or chunks, but leave leeks and green onions whole. Place them all in a plastic bag, and marinate with an off-the-shelf Italian salad dressing or a homemade blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and herbs and spices, especially garlic. Put the bag in the refrigerator until the fire is ready so the vegetables have a chance to absorb the flavors in the liquid.
When the coals have turned completely gray--without a hint of red--place the vegetables on the grill. Vegetables contain a fair amount of natural sugars, which will burn if your fire is too hot.
Create a hot spot on the grill by shoving your coals off to one side or one-half of the grill and a cool spot where there aren't any coals. That way you can sear your vegetables on the hot spot, then move them over to the cool spot.
Cooking times depend on the heat of the fire and the distance between the fire and the grill. Everything should be ready to turn in about five minutes, although potatoes may take a little longer. As you turn each piece, brush with more marinade. If you want a slightly smoky flavor, put the cover on the grill. After another five minutes, check each piece for doneness, and remove from the heat when ready.
Try making a veggie burger without the customary frozen veggie burger patty--grill some eggplant, mushroom and onions. Pile the veggies on a hamburger patty; add a fresh tomato slice, some lettuce, maybe a slice of cheese, and a little mayo. And you've got an incredibly delicious grilled veggie sandwich.
Do you know how great fruit tastes when cooked on the grill? Pineapple slices, apple and pear wedges and chunks of cantaloupe and banana cook up nicely, especially when glazed with a blend of honey and melted butter. Be careful as you cook them, because the butter and honey will burn if the fire is too hot.
You can enjoy fresh fruit hot off the grill as is or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and fresh blueberries. So the next time you want to cook out, skip the steak and opt for grilled vegetables and fruit.
)
