A Grilled Vegetable Platter with Balsamic Glaze is a colorful and savory dish that celebrates the natural flavors of garden-fresh vegetables enhanced with the rich, tangy sweetness of a balsamic reduction. This dish is perfect as a side for BBQs or as a healthy main course option. Grilling the vegetables brings out their sweetness and adds a smoky char that pairs wonderfully with the acidity of the balsamic glaze. Choose a variety of vegetables for a vibrant and appealing presentation.
Ingredients:
- Assorted vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, asparagus, and red onions)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Appliances and Special Utensils:
- Grill (outdoor or stovetop grill pan)
- Basting brush
- Tongs
- Small saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting board
Recipe:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash all the vegetables.
- Slice the bell peppers into halves, remove seeds and stems.
- Cut zucchini and eggplant into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Trim the asparagus and peel if necessary.
- Cut the red onion into thick rings.
- Preheat the Grill:
- Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Make the Balsamic Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the vinegar has reduced by half and is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Grill the Vegetables:
- Brush the vegetables lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place vegetables on the grill in a single layer. Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes or until tender and charred.
- Use tongs to turn the vegetables occasionally for even grilling.
- Assemble the Platter:
- Arrange the grilled vegetables beautifully on a serving platter.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the grilled vegetables just before serving.
Enjoy this delightful dish as a perfect accompaniment to any meal, or serve it as a healthy, colorful main course that will impress your guests with minimal effort.