Ah, barbecues… A barbecue is more than just a barbecue: it’s about enjoying good weather with family and friends, sharing a lovely spring day with your nearest and dearest… together with a groaning tray of greasy food packed with calories. If that’s the picture that comes to mind, you’ve got it all wrong! Revamp your barbecue with some of these healthy ideas.
Chargrilled vegetables
Why is there never as much room on the barbecue for vegetables as there is for meat? Try throwing some peppers, aubergines, tomatoes and courgettes on the grill and before you know it your guests will be queuing up for more of your irresistible chargrilled vegetables. Don’t forget to drizzle them with extra-virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt beforehand.
Lean meat
Swap sausages, chops and cutlets for leaner meat, such as sirloin steak, pork loin, chicken, turkey or rabbit. By cutting down on the amount of fat in meat, this way of cooking is the healthiest, and most delicious, of all!
Light homemade sauces
Nothing beats homemade mayonnaise or garlic mayonnaise. Another option is to make light sauces, such as chimichurri, lemon and herb, yogurt and mint or, whyever not, a finger-licking-good guacamole.
Leave the frying pan indoors
If you’re having a barbecue, you’re having a barbecue. So no fried food, including your favourite side serving of chips; you can bake potatoes on the barbecue instead. Not only will you cut down on the calories, but they are also much tastier. Try it and see for yourself.
Plenty of fish
From gilthead bream to sea bass or even some prawns or king prawns as an appetiser. Just make sure to use a different grill from the meat, so the flavours don’t spoil each other. And enjoy the wonders of good-quality barbecued fish.
And for dessert… barbecued fruit!
Grab a brochette and spear some cubes of apple, watermelon, kiwi, peach, strawberry and any other fruit you fancy. Throw it on the barbecue and let it cook. You’d be hard pressed to find a better dessert for the occasion. If you’ve got some sweet-toothed guests, you can even pour some melted dark chocolate on top. The trusty old Swiss roll has met its match.
