Propane grills are for more than just grilling meat. A number of vegetables can also be grilled, adding a healthy touch to any meal.

Grilling vegetables can seem like a difficult task but by preparing them properly it is easy to add a nutritious side dish to any cookout.

Preparing Your Vegetables

Grilled Vegetables Close up

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Before cooking any vegetables they should be washed thoroughly and peeled or cleaned appropriately. Skewers are most often used to make kebabs but foil packets and grilling baskets can also be used to hold smaller vegetable pieces when cooking. This allows the vegetables to cook without the risk of them becoming stuck to the surface of the grill. Prepare your favorite spices, such as kosher salt, black pepper, fresh herbs, virgin olive oil, and smoked paprika to get the smoky flavor

Also, make sure your grill grate and grill basket is clean before putting any food!

How to Grill Vegetables

Corn

Grilled Corn on the grates

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One of the most popular choices for vegetables on a propane grill is corn. This versatile vegetable can be grilled in the husk, shucked and wrapped in foil, or grilled in a basket. Vegetables such as corn require a longer amount of time to cook than other vegetables in order to be cooked thoroughly. When cooking corn on a propane grill, the corn may be shucked but left in the outer husk and basted with butter to allow the corn to steam gently in the husk, or wrapped in foil and grilled.

Zucchini, Squash, Eggplant

Grilled eggplant with a jogurt dip

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Zucchini, squash, and eggplant also make for wonderful grilled vegetables. They can be grilled as is but often taste best when sliced and brushed with olive oil before grilling in order to allow the flavors to shine. Grilling baskets or foil packets are best for cooking sliced vegetables on the grill to avoid them sticking to the surface or falling below in the grill base.

Potatoes

Three baked potatoes

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Grilled potatoes make for a fun and delicious addition to any meal. Potatoes can take a very long time to grill and it is often best to pre-cook them in order to allow them to cook thoroughly. This can be done by either boiling them for a few minutes to help soften them or microwaving them for a short period of time. Potatoes that have been sliced and put on skewers or in a grilling basket may not need to be pre-cooked.

Tomatoes and Onions

Grilled tomatos

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Tomatoes and onions are also popular choices for grilled vegetables. They are often used in addition to kebabs or on top of the meat when grilling. Tomatoes need to be carefully cooked as they are softer and can overcook easily if not watched closely. Onions may either be sliced then grilled on top of other vegetables or grilled on the surface to give them a flavorful and caramelized appearance. Pearl onions are often most used in kebabs as they are smaller and will cook evenly when paired with smaller pieces of vegetables.

Vegetable Kebab

Veggie Skewers

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Vegetable kebabs are another ideal way to create delicious meals on a propane grill. Vegetables should be cleaned and cut prior to cooking in order to make them easier to put on the skewers. Also, make sure to put skewers in water before putting the vegetables on them. Once vegetables are prepared they should be gently placed on the skewers then lightly misted or basted with oil or butter prior to placing on the grill. Some vegetables may need to be cooked longer than others and it is often a good idea to lightly boil these vegetables to ensure an even cooking time. Try to use bamboo skewers!

Add Veggies to Your BBQ Routine

No matter what method is used, grilling vegetables on a propane grill can help to add a wonderful flavor to any meal. Adding more vegetables increases the health benefits while increasing the flavor, ideal for any cookout or dinner plan. Those who enjoy a vegetarian lifestyle will find that grilling vegetables can offer a lot of opportunities to create new types of meals without a lot of work.