Have a gut friendly BBQ next time you fire up the barbie on one of those lovely summer days.
Bring color and healthy nutrients to your barbecue with these 7 versatile vegetables to balance off that chunk of meat you might be having. Serve with salt and pepper to taste or add fresh herbs and spices for extra flavor and alkalizing nutrients.
Try these 7 vegetables for a gut friendly BBQ.
Great on the barbie and available at every supermarket:
- Capsicum: A versatile vegetable that’s great for skewers together with baby tomato and courgette. Or try them Mediterranean style with the skin grilled until black, then peeled off and served with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Eggplant: An excellent choice for the barbie. Slice, salt and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then grill on both sides. Serve with a dressing of olive oil, lemon juice and finely chopped herbs or spicy tomato salsa.
- Green asparagus: Lightly coat in olive oil, then grill it until tender. Serve as is or with a dressing of olive oil, fresh lime juice, and a little bit of crushed garlic. Not your stock standard barbecue fare!
- Courgette: This all-time classic is great with a splash of fresh lemon juice and oregano sprinkled on top. For a more extravagant version, cut the courgette lengthwise and roll up the grilled slices with a filling of grated carrots and oregano. Or just grill them plain and have with guacamole or tomato salsa.
- Avocado: Not strictly a vegetable but a fruit, it makes a great quick and filling addition to your barbecue. Cut lengthwise and remove seed. Drizzle with olive oil and put on the barbecue with the cut side down. Once done, fill the seed hole with finely chopped tomatoes and onions, lemon juice, crushed garlic and fresh herbs. Add a pinch of chili if you like it hot.
- Tomato: Another fruit that’s great for the barbie. Sliced and grilled on both sides, serve with a dressing of olive oil, crushed garlic and finely chopped parsley and chives.
- Sweet corn: Quick and easy to prepare and yet delicious. Grill naked until tender turning it over occasionally. Serve with olive oil or butter. Or add extra flavor using garlic or herb butter.
Give your gut friendly BBQ an extra boost and have fermented vegetables as a side dish.
You can get sauerkraut or kimchi with live probiotic cultures to help promote healthy digestion and combat constipation in health food shops or make your own.
Also remember to stay well hydrated (and to not overdo the drinks) to keep things moving. It also pays off to not go overboard with meat as it’s harder to digest than most vegetables. If you listen to your body, you’ll know when enough is enough…
Have a great gut friendly barbecue and enjoy your meal!