The N.C. Vegetable Growers Association recently wrapped up its “Thrill the Grill Challenge”, which asked grill masters to submit their favorite grilled-vegetable recipes ahead of the summer cookout season.
Lisa Chestnutt of Hyde County earned first place with her recipe for Hyde Grilled Vegetable Medly. The dish earned her bragging rights and a John Deere Grill. Tressie Andrews of Caldwell County placed second with her recipe for Grilled Cabbage, and picked up a $75 gift card. In third place, Sherry Shytle of Caldwell County impressed judges with her Shy-Style Grilled Asparagus recipe and walked away with a $50 gift card.
Here’s Lisa’s award-winning recipe for Hyde Grille Vegetable Medly:
- 1 large Mattamuskeet sweet onions
- 1 red pepper
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms
- 1 cup fresh broccoli
- 2 ears of Hyde bi-colored corn
- 2 yellow crook neck squash
- 1 zucchini
- Mrs. Dash seasoning of your choice
- Black pepper as desired
- 1 stick unsalted butter or 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ clove freshly minced garlic or a little garlic salt
Wash all vegetables. Cut onions and pepper into large pieces and place in a large foil grilling pan. Break each ear of corn in half. Keep mushrooms whole and leave broccoli in large chunks. Cut all other vegetables into slices. Place vegetables into foil pan with onions and peppers.
Melt butter in microwave. Add spices and mix well. Drizzle butter mixture over vegetables evenly. Stir vegetables lightly to blend.
Cover with foil and place on a preheated grill. Close the top and grill for 15 minutes. Open foil, stir and replace foil. Continue grilling until vegetables are tender.
Serve with any meat or seafood, enjoy it as a main dish, or try it over your favorite rice.
North Carolina is home to more than 2,000 commercial vegetable growers. N.C. vegetable growers produce more than 22 different vegetable crops, many of which are available during the summer. Consumers looking to connect with N.C. farms, farmers markets and roadside stands, can search the department’s online directory at ncfarmfresh.com.
Do you have a favorite summer vegetable recipe? We’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below.