Preparing the Perfect Healthy Garden BBQ

Imagine the sun shining whilst you put your feet up and smell a delicious BBQ cooking on the grill…. Is there anything else quite like it? 

We will all be pleased to see the sun shining just in time for bank holiday… England is expected to experience a mini heatwave this week as temperatures soar to 27°C. With the weather on our side, we can explore extra ways to enjoy time within our homes or gardens whilst soaking up some rays and vitamin D.  

According to the official guidance released by the Government on 11th May , pubs and restaurants are still considered as ‘higher-risk businesses and public places’ therefore must remain closed until the beginning of July. Whilst pub gardens stay out of action, we can look for the next best thing and head to the depths of the garden shed to find our beloved barbeques. 

This week marks National BBQ Week which runs from the 25th -31st of May. Up and down the country, pubs and restaurants should have been getting ready to create some delicious barbecue dishes. It’s not all doom and gloom… as a nation we can visit our gardens and fire up those grills! Let’s fill the air with smoky aromas and enjoy the sunshine whilst tucking into culinary delights prepared with our loved ones. 

Some of us may not have gardens, if this is the case please still join us in cooking some tempting treats. Lay out a blanket and cushions in a room within the house, let in as much light as you possibly can and have a family picnic. Children can design menu cards and stick them on the walls, this will add to the restaurant vibes! 

If you are on your own and missing loved ones you could arrange a virtual BBQ party with family and friends; why not be the host and plan the event with an email invitation? 

We have put together some healthy BBQ tips you may want to use before you get started:

1) Choose wholegrain buns

Swap the burger buns for wholemeal, seeded or wholegrain buns as this will add fibre and texture to your barbecue meal. 

2) Avoid high salt and sugary sauces 

You could opt for some homemade dips and sauces including mashed avocado or homemade chutneys. Visit BBC Good Food for a chunky guacamole recipe online. 

3) Make your own marinades

Meat, fish and vegetables can be coated one hour before cooking. Try these two recipes from Gousto:

Balsamic Vinegar: 60ml lemon juice, 2 tsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 60ml balsamic vinegar, 2 crushed whole garlic cloves.

Honey Soy: 2 tbsp honey, 4 tbsp soy sauce, juice from 2 limes and 2 crushed whole garlic cloves. 

4) Choose veggies  

Try grilling some baby broccoli, asparagus, sliced courgette or vegetable skewers. If you are using classic bamboo skewers remember to soak them in warm water for 20 minutes before threading to stop them from cooking with the food.

Barbequed asparagus recipe on Tesco Real Food: 

• 20 asparagus

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Manchego, feta or parmesan cheese

5) Barbeque fish 

Don’t forget you can barbecue fish including salmon, halibut and tuna steaks. Fish is a low-fat high-quality protein rich in omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin D and B2. Brush the fish with vegetable oil and sprinkle salt before grilling. 

It is important that we all show kindness to one another and keep our mental health in check. If you are struggling with your mental health during Coronavirus pandemic there are many helpful resources on the Mental Health Foundation website.  Additionally you can find some tips on our blog – Keeping Mentally Healthy During Lockdown. 

Sources: 

BBC Good Food - https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/best-ever-chunky-guacamole

Gousto - https://www.gousto.co.uk/blog/7-healthy-barbecue-ideas

Tesco - https://realfood.tesco.com/recipes/barbecued-asparagus.html