Grilled Veggies

These Grilled Veggies are simply mouthwatering and can be made with only five ingredients! Bursting with vibrant flavours and wholesome goodness, this dish is a delightful combination of fresh vegetables perfectly charred on a flat top grill, a cast iron or a grill pan. The star ingredients include tender broccoli florets, succulent zucchini slices, and earthy mushrooms, all tossed in a tantalizing blend of olive oil and soy sauce.

This recipe not only showcases the natural sweetness of the vegetables but also adds a touch of umami with the soy sauce infusion. With its simple preparation and stunning results, these grilled veggies make a fantastic side dish or a delectable addition to salads, sandwiches, or wraps. These grilled veggies can also be a fantastic main course for vegetarians. They are packed with nutrients, flavours, and a variety of textures that can make a satisfying and nutritious meal on their own.

Ingredients

5-6 medium-sized zucchini
2 broccoli bunches
680 g (1.5 lbs) mushrooms – white button, baby bella/cremini
180 ml (3/4 cup) soy sauce
80 ml (1/3 cup) olive oil

Directions

Wash your veggies. Cut the zucchini into slices and the mushrooms into quarters. Split the broccoli into small florets.

Preheat your flat top grill, cast iron pan or grill pan over medium-high heat. These are my preferred ways of cooking these veggies but you can also use a non-stick pan.

Make sure the surface is clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, zucchini slices, and quartered mushrooms.

Drizzle the olive oil and soy sauce over the vegetables, ensuring they are evenly coated. Note that the soy sauce is salty enough and I usually don’t season the vegetables with extra salt. You can add salt if desired or adjust the quantity of soy sauce to your taste.

Toss the vegetables gently to distribute the oil and soy sauce evenly.

Once the grill or pan is hot, carefully place the vegetables in a single layer.

If your cooking surface is not large enough, you may need to cook the vegetables in batches.

Let the vegetables cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have a slight char. Avoid overcrowding the pan or grill, as this can lead to steaming rather than grilling. Use tongs or a spatula to flip the vegetables over halfway through the cooking process. This will ensure even cooking on both sides.

Grilled Veggies - Broccoli, Mushrooms, Zucchini

Continue grilling the vegetables until they reach your desired level of doneness. Keep in mind that different vegetables may require different cooking times. Once the veggies are grilled to perfection, remove them from the heat and transfer to a serving platter.

Serve the grilled vegetables hot as a delicious side dish or as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or wraps.

If you’re vegetarian, here are are a few ways you can elevate grilled veggies into a delicious vegetarian main course:

Add Protein: To make the grilled veggies a complete meal, consider adding a protein source. You can include grilled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based protein alternatives such as veggie burgers or vegetarian sausages. These protein additions will provide extra substance and make the dish more filling.
Cheese and Nuts: Enhance the flavours and textures by adding some crumbled feta cheese, grated Parmesan, or toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts. These additions will bring extra richness and a delightful crunch to the dish.
Serve with Grains: Pair the grilled veggies with a serving of cooked grains like quinoa, couscous, brown rice, or farro. These grains will add heartiness to the meal, increase its nutritional value, and help you feel more satisfied.
Incorporate Legumes: Legumes like chickpeas, black beans, or lentils are excellent sources of plant-based protein and fiber. Consider adding grilled vegetables on top of a bed of mixed greens or a bean salad for a protein-packed and refreshing main course.

By incorporating these suggestions, you can transform a plate of grilled veggies into a satisfying and well-rounded vegetarian main course. Enjoy the delicious flavours and the nutritional benefits of this wholesome dish!