Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze

Introduction

Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together a variety of fresh vegetables, perfectly charred on the grill, and drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy, packed with the natural goodness of vegetables. Whether you’re preparing a side dish for a family meal, hosting a barbecue, or looking for a vegetarian option that everyone can enjoy, this grilled vegetable platter is the perfect choice.

The combination of smoky, tender vegetables and the rich balsamic glaze creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. It’s a Halal-friendly recipe that excludes pork, bacon, wine, and alcohol, making it suitable for those who adhere to specific dietary requirements. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate a wide range of vegetables and can be easily adapted to suit your personal preferences.

Perfect for:

• Summer Barbecues
• Healthy Side Dishes
• Vegetarian and Vegan Meals
• Family Gatherings
• Halal-friendly Dining

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze is more than just a simple vegetable dish. Here’s why it will quickly become a favorite:

• Fresh and Flavorful: Grilling vegetables enhances their natural sweetness, while the balsamic glaze adds a rich, tangy kick, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with a variety of vegetables, this platter is full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
• Simple and Easy: The recipe requires minimal ingredients and is easy to prepare, yet it delivers big on flavor.
• Customizable: You can mix and match your favorite vegetables, adjusting the grilling time to ensure each one reaches the perfect level of tenderness.
• Ideal for Sharing: This platter is perfect for serving a crowd, making it a great choice for gatherings, picnics, or parties.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Grilling Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 people
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 9g

Ingredients

To create a perfect Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Vegetables:

• 1 large zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
• 1 eggplant, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 red onion, sliced into thick rings
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, whole
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

For the Balsamic Glaze:

• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Vegetables: The vegetables in this recipe are high in fiber and low in calories, offering a healthy and colorful addition to your meal. The grilling process intensifies their flavors and makes them extra delicious.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the vegetables, and when reduced, it becomes a thick, syrupy glaze that adds depth to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil helps with grilling and adds a smooth, rich texture to the vegetables. It’s also a heart-healthy fat that complements the flavors beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze:

Prepare the Vegetables:

1. Preheat the Grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C). If using a grill pan, preheat it on the stove over medium-high heat.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and cut all the vegetables. Slice the zucchini and eggplant into thick rounds, cut the bell peppers into strips, and slice the red onion into thick rings. Trim the asparagus and remove the ends of the stalks. Leave the cherry tomatoes whole.
3. Season the Vegetables: Place the cut vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano (if using). Toss the vegetables to coat them evenly with the seasoning.

Grill the Vegetables:

4. Grill the Vegetables: Arrange the vegetables in a single layer on the grill or grill pan. Grill the vegetables in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Grill the zucchini and eggplant for about 3-4 minutes per side until they have nice grill marks and are tender. The bell peppers, onions, and asparagus should take about 5-7 minutes per side. The cherry tomatoes should be grilled for about 3-4 minutes, turning them gently so they don’t burst.
5. Remove and Set Aside: Once all the vegetables are grilled, remove them from the grill and arrange them on a large serving platter.

Make the Balsamic Glaze:

6. Prepare the Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and olive oil. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has reduced by half and thickened to a syrup-like consistency.
7. Season the Glaze: Once the glaze has thickened, remove it from the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Platter:

8. Drizzle the Glaze: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the grilled vegetables, ensuring that each piece is lightly coated. You can either drizzle it directly from the pan or use a spoon for a more controlled application.
9. Serve: Serve the Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze immediately, or let it cool slightly before serving. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be served at room temperature.

How to Serve Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze

Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze is versatile and can be served in many different ways:

• As a Side Dish: Serve the grilled vegetables as a side dish to accompany grilled meats or vegetarian proteins like falafel, tofu, or quinoa.
• With a Salad: Pair the platter with a light green salad, such as a simple mixed greens salad or a Mediterranean salad, to balance out the richness of the vegetables.
• On Toast or Flatbread: For a quick and easy lunch or dinner, serve the grilled vegetables on top of toasted baguette slices or flatbread. Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze for added flavor.
• For Meal Prep: This platter makes an excellent meal prep option. Store the grilled vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them before serving, or enjoy them cold in salads and wraps.

Additional Tips for Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze

To make the most of this delicious dish, keep these tips in mind:

• Grill in Batches: If you have a lot of vegetables, grill them in batches to avoid overcrowding the grill. This will ensure that each piece gets perfectly charred.
• Adjust Grill Time: Different vegetables cook at different rates. If you prefer your vegetables more tender, grill them for a little longer. Just be careful not to burn them.
• Use Fresh Balsamic Vinegar: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality, aged balsamic vinegar. The richer the vinegar, the better the glaze will taste.
• Make It Vegan: Simply swap the honey for maple syrup to make this recipe vegan-friendly while still maintaining the same delicious glaze.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap in other vegetables depending on what’s in season or your personal preferences. Mushrooms, zucchini, or sweet potatoes work great on the grill as well.

Recipe Variations of Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze

Here are 10 variations of the Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze that you can try:

• Spicy Grilled Vegetables: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to the olive oil mixture to give the vegetables a little heat.
• Mediterranean Style: Toss the vegetables with some crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives after grilling for a Mediterranean twist.
• Garlic Herb Vegetables: Add minced garlic and fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the olive oil mixture for extra flavor.
• Grilled Vegetable and Halloumi Platter: Add grilled Halloumi cheese to the platter for a salty, creamy addition.
• Sweet and Savory: Drizzle a little bit of maple syrup or brown sugar over the vegetables before grilling to caramelize them for a sweet and savory effect.
• Smoky Paprika Vegetables: Sprinkle smoked paprika over the vegetables before grilling to add a smoky depth to the flavor.
• Lemon Herb Grilled Vegetables: Marinate the vegetables in olive oil, lemon zest, and fresh herbs before grilling for a refreshing twist.
• Grilled Vegetable and Quinoa Salad: Toss the grilled vegetables with cooked quinoa and a lemon vinaigrette for a complete, hearty salad.
• Indian Spiced Grilled Vegetables: Use a mixture of cumin, coriander, and turmeric to season the vegetables before grilling for an Indian-inspired flavor profile.
• Grilled Vegetables with Tahini Sauce: Drizzle the grilled vegetables with a creamy tahini sauce for a rich, nutty flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze

• Freezing: Grilled vegetables are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven or microwave.
• Storage: Store leftover grilled vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The balsamic glaze can be stored separately in a small jar for easy reheating.

Special Equipment for Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze

• Grill or Grill Pan: A grill or grill pan is essential for giving the vegetables that perfect smoky flavor and grill marks.
• Tongs: Use tongs to flip and handle the vegetables easily while grilling.
• Basting Brush: A basting brush helps to evenly apply the olive oil or marinade to the vegetables before grilling.
• Small Saucepan: You’ll need a small saucepan to make the balsamic glaze.
• Serving Platter: A large serving platter is ideal for arranging the grilled vegetables once they’re ready to serve.

FAQ Section about Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze

1. Can I use other vegetables for this platter?
   Yes! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, or even sweet potatoes. Just adjust the grilling time as needed.
2. Can I make the balsamic glaze in advance?
   Yes, the balsamic glaze can be made ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week and reheat before serving.
3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
   Absolutely! Simply substitute the honey for maple syrup to make the balsamic glaze vegan-friendly.
4. How do I prevent the vegetables from sticking to the grill?
   Make sure to brush the grill with oil before grilling the vegetables, or use a non-stick grill mat. Additionally, lightly oil the vegetables themselves before grilling.
5. Can I cook this dish in the oven instead of grilling?
   Yes, you can roast the vegetables in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They may not have the same smoky flavor, but they’ll still be delicious.

Print

Conclusion

Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze is a flavorful, healthy, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side dish, a main course for vegetarians, or as part of a larger meal, this platter is sure to impress. With its smoky vegetables and sweet, tangy glaze, it’s a dish everyone will love, and it’s easy to prepare and customize to suit your preferences. Enjoy!