BESIDES BBQ

A bar-be-que is a lot of fun when enjoyed with friends and family in the pleasant outdoors. When it comes to a BBQ, first, we always think of what protein and vegetarian mains to marinate and grill. The starch and the vegetables are not given equal importance. Just a little bit of time spent on planning the side dishes can make your BBQ a complete and satisfying meal for all.

I have always felt that a rice or a pasta or a cous cous dish is a must at a BBQ. This dish can act as the main starch for the meal. Brown or wild rice salad, pasta salad or a mildly flavoured cous cous are interesting options.

COUS COUS WITH TUNA AND SPRING ONIONS

Potatoes in any form is well appreciated in a BBQ. One of the easier options would be to par cook the potatoes and then wrap them in foil and throw them among the coals to finish the cooking. These potatoes can later be split into two and served with an interesting topping like a blue cheese dressing, mustard and walnut butter or cream cheese and pesto. The other option is to make a potato salad. It can be a cold and creamy one or the traditional warm German potato salad.

POTATO SALAD WITH GRAINY MUSTARD, SMOKED HAM AND PICKLES

Next up, is the all important vegetables. We seldom grill vegetables in any form. Meat is always the star of most BBQs. A couple of salads in a BBQ should fulfill the vegetable requirements of a nutritional meal. Green salads tossed in a simple vinaigrette makes an elegant and simple side dish. Other salad options include a green bean salad, a multi-bean salad, beet root salad, grilled vegetable salad, carrot salad or even a fruit salad.

GREEN SALAD WITH WALNUTS AND CHERRY TOMATOES TOSSED IN A GINGER-LIME VINAIGRETTE

GRILLED VEGETABLE SALAD WITH BALSAMIC REDUCTION AND FETA CHEESE

RECIPE FOR A SIMPLE VINAIGRETTE:

1 garlic clove, minced
1 shallot, minced,
1 tbsp white wine/red wine vinegar
3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive oil
1/2 - 1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp Parsley, chopped
salt and pepper to taste.

Take all the above ingredients in a small glass bottle, screw on the cap and shake thoroughly. Pour it over a salad of your choice and toss.

Who wouldn't want dessert after a meal? A healthy option for dessert would be fresh fruits served with vanilla custard. Other simple and delicious options include cup cakes, brownies with a fudge sauce or a cold and creamy mousse of your choice.

I would say the BBQ is now complete. Its time to put away your left overs, put your feet up and watch a good game or movie on television....................