How to Have a VBBQ (Recipes)

When the smell of charcoal fills the early evening air, it can only mean one thing – it’s summertime in the UK, the season to get your apron out and grill up a storm. For people who care about animals, the aroma of burning flesh is anything but appetising, so we’re sharing our favourite vegan barbecue dishes. These fresh-tasting recipes are the perfect way to wow your friends and enjoy the warm weather while sticking to your cruelty-free principles:

• Grilled Polenta Burger: Boil up some coarse cornmeal with vegetable stock until thick but springy, following packet instructions. Fry up a diced onion, a few finely chopped mushrooms and a handful of cooked beans (black beans work great) until the onions are golden brown. Slightly mash the beans when soft. Add to the cooked polenta, along with a teaspoon each of thyme, marjoram and paprika. Take off the heat, and when cool, shape into patties ready for grilling! Serve in a bun with avocado slices, chopped olives and jalapeño peppers.
• Grilled Courgette With Lemon Dressing: Slice courgettes diagonally and grill until brown, charred and spitting. Take off the heat, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice and add mint leaves and a few capers, to taste.
• Baked Sweet Potato: Sprinkle the sweet potatoes with olive oil and salt and wrap them carefully in tinfoil, making sure to leave some excess at the top (to grab onto later). Place directly onto the hot charcoals, making sure to space them out to allow for even cooking. Cook for around 15 to 20 minutes and top with soya yoghurt and chives.
• Tomato and Cucumber Salad: For this refreshing summer salad, you need only these five ingredients: cucumber, tomato, lime, olive oil and soy sauce. Dice up the vegetables and combine the other ingredients to make a zingy dressing. Add red onions and chilli for an extra punch.

And if cooking just feels like too much of an effort on a lazy summer afternoon, you can find a wide selection of delicious vegan sausages, veggie burgers and faux meats in most supermarkets and health-food stores. Toss ’em on the grill and add ketchup and a bun, and you’re sorted!

Got your own tips for a rocking vegan BBQ? Share them in the comments!

Care about animals but not yet vegan? Give it a go! Order our free vegetarian/vegan starter kit today.

Courgette Image: WordRidden / CC BY 2.0
Salad Image: Laurel Fan / CC BY-SA 2.0