It's holiday season with the family at home and friends stopping by for a meal, so what better time to dust off the grill and fire up the backyard barbie.
The summer season sausage sizzle usually sounds warning bells for those trying to keep extra kilos off their waist line, but there's really no need for a barbeque spread to put a dent in your diet.
Many people are able to follow a healthy eating plan most days of the week, even during the festive season, and it's a shame to see this good work blown out the window by a backyard barbeque indulgence.
Grilling isn't just for hamburgers and sausages, almost any food can be barbequed to perfection - the key is to be creative. Healthy food choices can taste just as good as traditional, and often less healthy, alternatives.
For example, there are many easy and tasty ways to balance up the usual barbeque banquet by including healthy grain-inspired dishes - both for the main meal and as a side dish. Not only are grain foods economical, they're tasty, simple to prepare, and a guaranteed healthy way to fill you up on goodness.
So when planning your next family feast, here's some tips and easy recipes for a healthy barbeque meal that will let you relax and enjoy, without feeling guilty for digging in.
Gourmet Wholegrain Rolls
Serves 4
Preparation Time - 15 mins
Cooking Time - 2-3 mins
Ingredients:
4 individual flat rolls or focaccia
190g jar basil pesto
200g brie, sliced
1 bunch rocket
500g char-grilled vegetables: eggplant, capsicum, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes
300g rare roast beef, sliced
1 cup alfalfa sprouts
Method:
1. Grill or pan-fry flat rolls until lightly toasted
2. Cut in half and spread one side of each with pesto
3. Top with sliced brie, rocket, vegetables, sliced beef and sprouts
4. Cover with remaining bread and serve immediately
For more information on the health benefits of grains, and more delicious family favourite recipes, visit:
www.gograins.com.au