Advantages of Preparing Locally Grown Vegetables on Outdoor Grills

As home gardeners and local farmers bring their fresh produce to the market, there's an exciting chance for individuals and restaurants alike to savor these veggies on outdoor grills. There's a common belief that grilling vegetables locks in their natural flavors, especially when they're harvested at their peak ripeness. Supermarket-purchased vegetables often get picked before they're fully ripe, which can dull their taste. But when you grill farm-fresh or homegrown veggies on a stainless steel barbecue, the results can be absolutely delightful.

Veggies Perfect for Outdoor Grilling

Home chefs have long appreciated the distinct taste of locally sourced produce, and they eagerly prepare them on both natural gas and propane grills. Recently, restaurant owners have caught on and are enhancing their menus by sourcing local produce and promoting farm-to-table meals. Ripe vegetables have a unique flavor profile that can be brought out through grilling. Unlike frying or steaming, grilling sears the exterior while allowing the interior to retain its moisture, creating mouthwatering results. Here are some of the best vegetables to cook outdoors.

• Asparagus: Asparagus takes around 4 to 6 minutes on the grill, needing to be rotated occasionally. You can season it directly on the grill with salt, pepper, or a touch of garlic powder.
• Bell Peppers: A whole bell pepper typically takes 10 to 12 minutes, but halving or quartering them reduces the time to 8 to 10 minutes.
• Carrots: Carrots can be tricky to grill perfectly. It might be wise to slice them and place them in a tin foil packet with water. Once softened, transfer them to the grates to achieve that desired caramelized smoky flavor.
• Corn on the Cob: Husked corn on the cob usually needs 15 to 20 minutes on either liquid propane or natural gas grills. Be sure to roll it occasionally to ensure even cooking.
• Eggplant: Cut eggplant slices to about half an inch thick and grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side. Turning only once will help preserve the natural juices.
• Mushrooms: A large Portobello mushroom may take up to 10 minutes, whereas smaller ones require 4 to 7 minutes on the grill.
• Onions: Caramelized onions are great on burgers and steaks, but grilling them directly also brings out a new taste. Slice them into one-inch pieces and grill for 8 to 10 minutes for a new twist on onions.
• Squash: Slice squash into half-inch pieces lengthwise and grill for about 4 to 6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Sweet Potatoes: Instead of wrapping them in foil, you can slice sweet potatoes into half-inch portions and slow-cook them over low to medium heat. Keeping the lid closed can even allow you to use the warming rack.
• Zucchini: Zucchini can be sliced into quarter-inch pieces and grilled for 10 to 15 minutes. They can either be the star of a vegetable dish or a fantastic side dish.

The idea of serving farm or homegrown veggies straight from the grill is incredibly appealing and draws friends, family, and customers to the table. Experience has shown us that locally sourced vegetables are far superior in taste. And when skillfully prepared on outdoor grills, the experience is unparalleled.

Tips for Grilling Vegetables on Patio Grills

To maximize the flavor of fresh vegetables, it's crucial to pay attention to their thickness, timing, seasoning, and the quality of your propane or natural gas grill. Investing in a BBQ with a built-in timer can help prevent overcooking. Here are some tips to consider when grilling veggies.

• Size Matters: When cutting veggies for the grill, aim to make them all the same thickness. This ensures consistent cooking when using a grill that distributes heat evenly.
• Brush with Oil: A light coating of oil can prevent veggies from sticking to the grates and also helps with seasoning adherence.
• Seasoning: Applying oils and spices during grilling can enhance flavor more effectively than marinades, which can sometimes overpower the natural essence of the produce.
• Close the Lid: Many chefs worry about checking veggies too often, which lets heat escape and disrupts timing. Using a timer or wristwatch can be a better way to monitor progress.

Top-of-the-line natural gas and liquid propane grills often come equipped with zone heat distribution systems and warming racks. These features allow for direct and indirect cooking zones within patio grills. If your veggies aren’t cooking evenly, move those that are ahead of schedule to areas with reduced heat or the warming rack. This technique helps ensure all veggies are served hot and on time.

Best Natural Gas & Propane Grills for Veggies

AEI’s liquid propane and natural gas grills continue to lead the industry in terms of quality, durability, safety, and consistent heat distribution. The company also offers consultations on its infrared patio heaters, which allow homeowners and restaurateurs to extend the grilling season. High-quality heating systems complement outdoor grilling, enabling anyone to enjoy the experience year-round. Among AEI’s offerings, these models are particularly well-suited for preparing veggies and offering sought-after farm-to-table meals.

T-Series Patio Grills

The PGS T-Series grills by AEI offer flexible size and mounting options, along with excellent heat distribution. For instance, the T-30 provides 330 square inches of direct cooking space and generates 30,000 BTUs. Its compact design allows for cart or pedestal mounting, reducing its footprint. The T-40 ups the ante with 434 square inches and 40,000 BTUs. Both models support liquid propane or natural gas and are available in fixed configurations.

Some of the larger T-Series grills are often integrated into countertops or prebuilt BBQ islands. They frequently become the centerpiece of an outdoor kitchen when paired with side burners and beverage centers. Models like the S27T, S36T, and S48T feature additional amenities such as grill timers, lift assist handles, and optional warming racks. With direct cooking space ranging from 540 to 960 square inches and BTUs reaching 90,000, these grills cater to both small and large gatherings. Clearly, the T-Series liquid propane and natural gas grills are ideal for preparing fresh vegetables and delivering the much-loved farm-to-table dining experience.