There is no denying that the BBQ is a classic during the warmer months in Australia. The classic snag with bread, onion and tomato sauce will always be a part of tradition but there are ways you can upgrade this classic. Here are some easy additions and swaps you can make to give the BBQ a fresh feel this summer:
Go Easy on The Red Meat
A classic BBQ is usually a steak and sausages. If this doesn’t suit your preferences or you are on the lookout for other ideas, opting for fish such as barramundi or salmon can add a new taste experience to your BBQ. Bonus to your heart is both barramundi and salmon are rich sources of omega 3 fat. This is an essential fat which has a matrix of health benefits including promoting healthy cholesterol levels, brain and heart health. On top of this, you would be replacing the saturated fat found in red meats and sausages.
There are many people who have chosen to go plant based. When a classic Aussie BBQ is the next meal, this can mean all you can eat is a slice of white bread with tomato sauce and onions. For a more appealing option you could try:
- Skewers with mixed vegetables and tofu
- Chickpea veggie patties
- Grill sliced on tofu
- Falafel balls
- Potato in its jacket stuffed with baked beans and avocado
Be Creative with the Produce
Are your BBQ’s limited to white onion on the side of a steak or in a sausage sandwich? There are so many different produce which come alive with flavour on a BBQ. Vegetables such as:
- Eggplant
- Capsicum
- Zucchini
- Mushrooms
- Asparagus
- Potato in its jacket (cooked in aluminium foil)
- Tomato,
- Corn
- Sliced sweet potato
- Beetroot sliced
Fruits which are a must try in your next BBQ are:
- Banana
- Figs
- Peach or nectarine sliced in half and seed removed
- Pineapple cut into rings
- Apple cut in half or in rings
- Strawberries put onto skewers
Add a Side Salad
Adding a side salad not only add extra nutrition but also colour and taste to the classic BBQ. Try adding wholegrains like quinoa or wholegrain couscous. Or add some beans or legumes like chickpeas, lentils or kidney beans. If you need an extra something, adding some of your favourite nuts will add a delicious crunch.
Adding some summer stone fruit can bring a holiday vibe to a meal and avocado is always a win in a salad mix. Thinking the rainbow when it comes to adding vegetables will make any salad a win. Ideas could include mushrooms, corn, capsicum, shallots, snow peas, alfalfa sprouts, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, olives, or tinned beetroot slices.
Switch Up the White Bread
A classic sausage or steak sandwich cannot be replaced. However, changing things up can be as ‘good as a holiday’. Some ideas could be opting for a wholegrain wrap, using tacos, or try some wholegrain crackers like Cornthins to add a delicious crunch to your meal.
Take home message: There is no denying the importance of the classic Australian BBQ. Variety is the spice of life, and the above additions could make a classic an even more memorable occasion.
