Health Savvy Summer Barbecues Ideas

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Health Savvy Summer Barbecues Ideas

July 5, 2012 by Lauren Talbot

Happy Belated 4th of July!

I love backyard summer shenanigans.

Good company.

Good Eats.

Good Weather.

Golden.

On that note, I happen to stray about as far as one can get from the typical American summer fare. Although I grew up with your traditional “dog” in a bun and American “cheese food” covered burgers, it has been years since I have partaken in that type of dining.

While there may never be day my family is invited over to a veggie burger soiree, I will die fighting to prove to my family, that healthy, eco- and vegan savvy meals do exist… and that they can be tasty and “normal” (well, maybe not “Texas normal”… but we are getting there).

Thank goodness for innovative and passionate foodies that have made my life infinitely simpler. Luckily my boys and husband love

Don’t hold out for the holidays, these summer barbecue options are perfect for every backyard bash.

The Veggie Burger

Sunshine Burger

Baked, or Grilled Seasoned Portabella Mushroom (wrap in tin foil and put in an enclosed grill for a few minutes until juicy).
Simply sprinkle on spices like cumin, and ancho chili pepper for that smoky and savory flavor before cooking.

“Burger” of choice + Toasted Sprout Ezekiel bun + Your favorite burger toppings:

Options:

Organicville Ketchup (and/or BBQ sauce)
Avocado
Grilled red and yellow onions
Romaine

The (Un-fried) Fries

On days that I make the family baked potatoes, I always make sure to bake a few extra potatoes for French Fry Night. Although these fritters are not what I would call a “nutritious” meal, they are sure to satisfy the french fry craving, (sans the health hazardous process of frying) (which, by the way, is highly taxing on the body and the digestive system, leads to weight gain, and increases free radical formation– a.k.a. increases the rate of aging).

How to make the fry:

First, I poke holes in each potato with a fork or knife, and then wrap it in tin foil.
With the oven preheated to 450, each wrapped potato is baked for approximately an hour.
Leave potatoes in their tin foil blankets, and store overnight in the fridge.
When ready to bake the “fry” into the potato, place the oven on broil.
Unwrap each potato and slice into medallions. Because potatoes have been chilled, they should be easy to slice.
Place your “fries” onto a sprayed baking/cookie sheet.
Sprinkle generously with pink himalayan sea salt and your favorite spices. (I used smoked paprika, cumin and cayenne)
Bake/broil your fries until they are crispy on the top (approximately 10-12+ minutes).
For even “frying”, flip “fries” over after 6 minutes.

Make it Authentic.

Dip in Organicville Ketchup, mustard, or BBQ sauce.

Raw Corn Salad

Colorful, crunchy and naturally sweet, this raw corn salad is balanced with “barbecue” spices, which add a smokey, savory, and meaty component. This dish is the perfect side dish, or salad topper.

5 ears of organic corn, shucked
1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
1/2 orange bell pepper, finely diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/8 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
juice of 1 large lime
1 tbsp of olive oil
Sprinkle: Coriander, Cumin, Chili Pepper, Pink Sea Salt

Sides:

Don’t forget the grilled veggies!

Slice up some zucchini, eggplant, onion, fennel, mushrooms, and peppers, and allow them to be salad toppings.

Avoid the food hangover and have fun with spices!

We love to sprinkle everything with garlic, cumin, ancho chili pepper, cumin, coriander, and sea salt. It adds character, mild spice, and a subtle smokiness that quenches cravings for the heavier meat dishes which zap our energy and weigh us down.

Drink of Choice for the kiddos