Looking for something besides burgers and dogs to throw on the grill this summer? How about fruits and veggies? Some of my favorites are zucchini, eggplant, peppers, pineapple, and stone fruits like peaches and nectarines
Here are some other healthy grilling ideas.
Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches:
- 2 large eggplants
- Olive oil
- 2 red bell peppers
- 5 plum tomatoes
- one small handful of fresh basil
- 6 oz cheve
- One baguette
- One large handful of spinach
Preheat grill to high. Cut eggplants into 1/2 inch thick slices, sprinkle them with salt and olive oil and set aside. Slice red peppers into wide strips (you don’t want them falling through the grate) and sprinkle them with olive oil and salt and pepper. Slice tomatoes. Cut baguette in four pieces then slice them lengthwise down the middle.
Grill eggplant and peppers until they are soft and slightly charred – about 10 minutes. Remove your veggies to a serving platter and keep them warm. Place the bread (inside down) on the grill and cook just until warm and grill marks have formed – about 2 minutes.
Assemble your sandwiches. Spread the bottom piece of bread with an ounce or two of cheve (or your favorite cheese), then layer a few basil leaves, sliced tomato, eggplant, peppers, a few spinach leaves and the top piece of bread. Serve with a green salad and maybe some grilled fruit.
*If you are avoiding dairy or gluten you could modify this recipe by using hummus instead of cheese, or stack your grilled veggies, herbs and tomatoes napolean style for a beautiful ap or side dish.