With Victoria Day fast approaching, it’s time to grease up the grill and ring in barbecue season with friends and family over fireworks and other long-weekend festivities.
Grilling is a great method of cooking because it couples the season’s best ingredients with relaxed meal preparation techniques for delicious, no-fuss dishes. If, however, you’re entertaining guests with food restrictions, such as a lactose intolerance or a vegan diet, menu planning may be more challenging.
To help you, Tofutti has come up with the following ideas to inspire a plant-based spread that is ideal not only for special diets but also for guests looking for a healthier alternative to typical cookout fare. Happy grilling!
Crispy potato slices
Ideal as an appetizer, crispy potato slices offer the same satisfying mouthfeel as French fries, but are lighter in fat content to be better for you. Simply slice fingerling potatoes lengthwise and brush with olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill over medium-low heat until golden. Let cool slightly before serving with a dairy-free dip made by mixing a package of vegan French onion soup with a tub of Tofutti Sour Supreme.
Marinated tofu steaks
Extra-firm tofu is perfect for marinating and grilling because it absorbs flavours and holds its shape brilliantly on the barbecue. For a flavourful marinade, mix 1/3 cup of soy sauce with 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce, one tablespoon of toasted sesame oil, two tablespoons of minced fresh ginger and one teaspoon of sriracha sauce (a spicy, yet tangy, chili paste). Marinate the steaks or two hours, or overnight, before grilling. Serve with a simple Asian-style coleslaw.
Sizzling fruit skewers
These fruit kebabs couldn’t be any easier to prepare, and they pack a punch of flavour. Spear pieces of your favourite fruit — including pears, peaches, plums and pineapples — onto wooden or metal skewers. Grill the fruit until caramelized and slightly charred, and serve with a scoop of your preferred flavour of Tofutti Premium frozen dessert.