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The Healthy Side Guide

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                        <span class="current">1</span> OF <span class="total">6</span>

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Ok, so you’re ready to roll with some lean, protein-packed grilling meats, to lighten up this year’s BBQ season.You know the perfect way to ruin that?Complimenting those turkey burgers and pork tenderloins with fat-oozing macaroni and potato salads. Or endless (and empty) amounts of chips and dip. Baked beans are healthy, right? Not so much when you load them up with pork or bacon chunks.Your main portion can only get you so far – unhealthy sides, while a delicious way to fill your plate, will wipe out all of that progress. Basically, mayonnaise is your biggest enemy and should be avoided at all costs. Now you’re just left with dry starch; flavorless, carb-ridden starch. Super.Have no fear – veggies offer an abundant variety of nutrient-filled sides for your health-conscious BBQ. Whether thrown on the grill bare or in a light marinade, vegetables are ultra-conducive to grilling, which is know to enhance the taste of some harsher raw onions and peppers.Here are recipes for 5 excellent BBQ sides, compliments of some of the world’s top grill master chefs.

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annick vanderschelden photography / Getty

Cauliflower Steaks with Parsley Butter Sauce

By Chef Michael ChiarelloDescribed as a “shockingly good” way to cook cauliflower, this recipe calls for fresh cauliflower with smaller heads, to prevent crumbling. Purple and golden cauliflower are also recommended, and the side makes a great pairing with grilled fish.

Ingredients

2 small or 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 to 2 3/4 pounds)Approximately 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature2 tablespoons coarse sea salt, preferably gray salt1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper2 lemons1 tablespoon minced fresh flat-leaf parsleyFreshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional) 1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling

Directions

When your gas grill is hot or the coals have begun to turn gray, place a plancha (flat grill) on the grill rack and heat for at least 10 minutes.Cut the cauliflower head into slices, each about 1/2 inch thick. Cut away the stalk (just the base of it) from the bottom of each slice. With a knife or your fingers, give each cauliflower slab a smear of softened butter on each side. Sprinkle each side with salt and pepper.Place the cauliflower slabs on the plancha and cook until they show a nice caramelized crust, 5 to 6 minutes.While the cauliflower cooks, halve the lemons and place them cut-side down on the hot plancha for about 2 minutes. Remove from the grill and set the lemons aside.With a spatula, gently turn each cauliflower slab, and grill the other side until caramelized, another 5 minutes.When finished, drizzle with juice from the grilled lemon, and garnish with parsley and, if you like, with a sprinkle of Parmesan. Drizzle with olive oil and serve while hot.

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Grilled Asparagus and Leeks

By Chef Seamus MullenA classic inspired by his days cooking in Catalunya, Spain, Chef Mullen shares a recipe that pairs asparagus and leeks, two “harbingers of spring.” The side is ideally served with Romesco, a versatile sauce based in nuts and red pepper.

Ingredients

2 bunches baby leeks, about 10 totalZest of 1 lemon1 clove garlic, finely grated2 tablespoons olive oil1 tablespoon sherry vinegarSaltFreshly ground black pepper1 bunch asparagus

Directions

Wash the leek greens under cold running water to remove any residual sand. Set aside to dry.In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and salt and pepper.Toss with the asparagus and leeks to coat evenly.On a hot grill, grill the leeks until charred and completely black on the outside.On a cooler part of the grill, grill the asparagus until tender. Carefully peel away the charred exterior of the leeks.

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Giardiniera

By Chef Michael Symon“This spicy, fresh, crisp, and tart celery salad is the perfect counterpoint to almost anything rich and meaty,” says Chef Symon. “It’s the customary condiment for hot Italian beef sandwiches,” but can be used as a toping on a variety of grilled meats.

Ingredients

1 pound celery, peeled and thinly sliced on the bias1 cup thinly sliced red onion1⁄4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley1⁄2 cup thinly sliced jalapeños2 tablespoons thinly sliced Fresno chilis2 garlic cloves, minced1 tablespoon coriander seeds, toasted and ground1 teaspoon ancho chile powder2 teaspoons kosher salt1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper1⁄2 cup red wine vinegar1⁄2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

Mix together all of the ingredients in a large nonreactive bowl or glass jars, cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.

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Grilled Vegetable Antipasti Sott’olio

By Chef Michael ChiarelloIn Italian, Sott’olio means “preserved in oil.” Chef Chiarello says he loves “the smoky summer taste it gives them,” when referring to preserving a variety of vegetables, right out of the garden, in olive oil.

Ingredients

6 large Yukon gold potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds total)5 tablespoons kosher salt6 medium peeled carrots (about 1 1/4 pounds total)2 large fennel bulbs3 small green zucchini1 large eggplant (about 3/4 pound)1 tablespoon coarse sea salt, preferably gray salt, plus more for sprinkling1 pound small button mushrooms or large cremini mushrooms (leave the button mushrooms whole but halve the cremini from dome to stem)3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzlingFreshly ground black pepper

Directions

Fill a large stockpot with about 5 quarts of cold water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Peel the potatoes while you’re waiting for the pot to boil.Add the kosher salt to the boiling water, then add the potatoes. Decrease the heat to keep the water at a good simmer but not a hard boil. Cook until the potatoes are about half done and still very firm, about 10 minutes. With tongs or a slotted spoon, take the potatoes out of the water (leave the water in the pot) and set them aside to cool.Add carrots to the hot water, adjusting the heat if nec­essary to keep the water at a strong simmer. Cook until the carrots are about half done, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer them to a plate to cool, leaving the water in the pot for the fennel.Halve the fennel lengthwise and then cut each half into six wedges. Add the fennel to the pot of simmering water and cook for about 3 minutes. Remove the fennel, and allow it to cool. At this point you can drain the water in the pot.Cut each zucchini lengthwise into 3 long slabs. Set them aside.Trim the stem and bottom from the eggplant and slice into 1/4-inch rounds (approximately 10 slices). Rinse each slice in cool water and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the one tablespoon sea salt over the eggplant rounds. Let the slices rest for 15 minutes, then rinse them in cool water and pat dry again with paper towels.Turn a gas grill to high or ignite charcoal. When the grill is hot, for both gas and charcoal grills, clean your grill rack. Decrease the temperature to medium-high (on a gas grill only), and brush or wipe a little olive oil on the grill rack.Cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds and halve the carrots lengthwise.With a brush, give each vegetable a light coat of olive oil and then a sprinkling of salt and pepper. You’ll cook the veg­etables separately and then either serve them immediately or refrigerate them.Grill the potatoes for about 10 minutes, the carrots for about 8 minutes, the zucchini for 7 minutes, the eggplant slices and mushrooms for 6 minutes, and the fennel for 5 minutes, turning with tongs about halfway through the grilling time.As each vegetable comes off the grill, transfer to a serving platter. Serve while warm or keep them covered with oil and refrigerated for up to 1 week. If you cover the vegetables with olive oil, save the olive oil and use it in the smoked oil dressing.

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Sugar Snap Pea Salad

By Chef Seamus Mullen“Sweet, crisp, snappy, and sugary,” Chef Mullen praises sugar snaps for their versatile qualities. The flavors for this side salad are made even bolder with “a pinch of Aleppo pepper for heat, some fresh ricotta cheese for richness and texture, and edible flower for color.”

Ingredients

1 pound fresh sugar snap peas1 bunch radishes½ cup fresh ricotta cheeseA few leaves fresh peppermintSaltFreshly ground black pepperJuice of 1 lemonOlive oil to tastePinch Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakesHandful of edible flowers, such as pea blossoms or nasturtiums

Directions

With a sharp knife, trim the tips of the sugar snap peas on both ends, remove the strings, and cut some in half lengthwise.Blanch the sugar snaps quickly, just about 30 seconds and shock in ice water.Slice the radishes thinly into coin shapes or half-moons.Combine the peas, radishes, cheese, and peppermint in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss with the lemon juice and olive oil.Serve with a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper and garnish of edible flowers.

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Ok, so you’re ready to roll with some lean, protein-packed grilling meats, to lighten up this year’s BBQ season.

You know the perfect way to ruin that?

Complimenting those turkey burgers and pork tenderloins with fat-oozing macaroni and potato salads. Or endless (and empty) amounts of chips and dip. Baked beans are healthy, right? Not so much when you load them up with pork or bacon chunks.

Your main portion can only get you so far – unhealthy sides, while a delicious way to fill your plate, will wipe out all of that progress. Basically, mayonnaise is your biggest enemy and should be avoided at all costs. Now you’re just left with dry starch; flavorless, carb-ridden starch. Super.

Have no fear – veggies offer an abundant variety of nutrient-filled sides for your health-conscious BBQ. Whether thrown on the grill bare or in a light marinade, vegetables are ultra-conducive to grilling, which is know to enhance the taste of some harsher raw onions and peppers.

Here are recipes for 5 excellent BBQ sides, compliments of some of the world’s top grill master chefs.

Cauliflower Steaks with Parsley Butter Sauce

By Chef Michael Chiarello

Described as a “shockingly good” way to cook cauliflower, this recipe calls for fresh cauliflower with smaller heads, to prevent crumbling. Purple and golden cauliflower are also recommended, and the side makes a great pairing with grilled fish.

Ingredients

  • 2 small or 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 to 2 3/4 pounds)
  • Approximately 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt, preferably gray salt
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 lemons
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional) 
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling

Directions

  • When your gas grill is hot or the coals have begun to turn gray, place a plancha (flat grill) on the grill rack and heat for at least 10 minutes.
  • Cut the cauliflower head into slices, each about 1/2 inch thick. Cut away the stalk (just the base of it) from the bottom of each slice. With a knife or your fingers, give each cauliflower slab a smear of softened butter on each side. Sprinkle each side with salt and pepper.
  • Place the cauliflower slabs on the plancha and cook until they show a nice caramelized crust, 5 to 6 minutes.
  • While the cauliflower cooks, halve the lemons and place them cut-side down on the hot plancha for about 2 minutes. Remove from the grill and set the lemons aside.
  • With a spatula, gently turn each cauliflower slab, and grill the other side until caramelized, another 5 minutes.
  • When finished, drizzle with juice from the grilled lemon, and garnish with parsley and, if you like, with a sprinkle of Parmesan. Drizzle with olive oil and serve while hot.

Grilled Asparagus and Leeks

By Chef Seamus Mullen

A classic inspired by his days cooking in Catalunya, Spain, Chef Mullen shares a recipe that pairs asparagus and leeks, two “harbingers of spring.” The side is ideally served with Romesco, a versatile sauce based in nuts and red pepper.

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches baby leeks, about 10 total
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 clove garlic, finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 bunch asparagus

Directions

  • Wash the leek greens under cold running water to remove any residual sand. Set aside to dry.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and salt and pepper.
  • Toss with the asparagus and leeks to coat evenly.
  • On a hot grill, grill the leeks until charred and completely black on the outside.
  • On a cooler part of the grill, grill the asparagus until tender. Carefully peel away the charred exterior of the leeks.

Giardiniera

By Chef Michael Symon

“This spicy, fresh, crisp, and tart celery salad is the perfect counterpoint to almost anything rich and meaty,” says Chef Symon. “It’s the customary condiment for hot Italian beef sandwiches,” but can be used as a toping on a variety of grilled meats.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound celery, peeled and thinly sliced on the bias
  • 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1⁄2 cup thinly sliced jalapeños
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced Fresno chilis
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, toasted and ground
  • 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1⁄2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1⁄2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

  • Mix together all of the ingredients in a large nonreactive bowl or glass jars, cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.

Grilled Vegetable Antipasti Sott’olio

By Chef Michael Chiarello

In Italian, Sott’olio means “preserved in oil.” Chef Chiarello says he loves “the smoky summer taste it gives them,” when referring to preserving a variety of vegetables, right out of the garden, in olive oil.

Ingredients

  • 6 large Yukon gold potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
  • 5 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 6 medium peeled carrots (about 1 1/4 pounds total)
  • 2 large fennel bulbs
  • 3 small green zucchini
  • 1 large eggplant (about 3/4 pound)
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt, preferably gray salt, plus more for sprinkling
  • 1 pound small button mushrooms or large cremini mushrooms (leave the button mushrooms whole but halve the cremini from dome to stem)
  • 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  • Fill a large stockpot with about 5 quarts of cold water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Peel the potatoes while you’re waiting for the pot to boil.
  • Add the kosher salt to the boiling water, then add the potatoes. Decrease the heat to keep the water at a good simmer but not a hard boil. Cook until the potatoes are about half done and still very firm, about 10 minutes. With tongs or a slotted spoon, take the potatoes out of the water (leave the water in the pot) and set them aside to cool.
  • Add carrots to the hot water, adjusting the heat if nec­essary to keep the water at a strong simmer. Cook until the carrots are about half done, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer them to a plate to cool, leaving the water in the pot for the fennel.
  • Halve the fennel lengthwise and then cut each half into six wedges. Add the fennel to the pot of simmering water and cook for about 3 minutes. Remove the fennel, and allow it to cool. At this point you can drain the water in the pot.
  • Cut each zucchini lengthwise into 3 long slabs. Set them aside.
  • Trim the stem and bottom from the eggplant and slice into 1/4-inch rounds (approximately 10 slices). Rinse each slice in cool water and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the one tablespoon sea salt over the eggplant rounds. Let the slices rest for 15 minutes, then rinse them in cool water and pat dry again with paper towels.
  • Turn a gas grill to high or ignite charcoal. When the grill is hot, for both gas and charcoal grills, clean your grill rack. Decrease the temperature to medium-high (on a gas grill only), and brush or wipe a little olive oil on the grill rack.
  • Cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds and halve the carrots lengthwise.
  • With a brush, give each vegetable a light coat of olive oil and then a sprinkling of salt and pepper. You’ll cook the veg­etables separately and then either serve them immediately or refrigerate them.
  • Grill the potatoes for about 10 minutes, the carrots for about 8 minutes, the zucchini for 7 minutes, the eggplant slices and mushrooms for 6 minutes, and the fennel for 5 minutes, turning with tongs about halfway through the grilling time.
  • As each vegetable comes off the grill, transfer to a serving platter. Serve while warm or keep them covered with oil and refrigerated for up to 1 week. If you cover the vegetables with olive oil, save the olive oil and use it in the smoked oil dressing.

Sugar Snap Pea Salad

By Chef Seamus Mullen

“Sweet, crisp, snappy, and sugary,” Chef Mullen praises sugar snaps for their versatile qualities. The flavors for this side salad are made even bolder with “a pinch of Aleppo pepper for heat, some fresh ricotta cheese for richness and texture, and edible flower for color.”

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh sugar snap peas
  • 1 bunch radishes
  • ½ cup fresh ricotta cheese
  • A few leaves fresh peppermint
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Olive oil to taste
  • Pinch Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes
  • Handful of edible flowers, such as pea blossoms or nasturtiums

Directions

  • With a sharp knife, trim the tips of the sugar snap peas on both ends, remove the strings, and cut some in half lengthwise.
  • Blanch the sugar snaps quickly, just about 30 seconds and shock in ice water.
  • Slice the radishes thinly into coin shapes or half-moons.
  • Combine the peas, radishes, cheese, and peppermint in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss with the lemon juice and olive oil.
  • Serve with a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper and garnish of edible flowers.