I know, I know. In some parts of the world, fall is beginning to nip at the heels of summer, making us believe that it is time to dust off our hot soup recipes. NOT SO FAST! I for one am clinging to whatever is left of warm summer nights, campfires, and the delicious smell of food cooking on my out-door grill. So don’t give in to falling leaves, and stores that are selling Halloween candy just yet. There is still time for these grilling recipes that are DELICIOUS!
Grilled Vegetables Tostadas
Recipe courtesy of Whole Foods Market and The Daily Green
Serves 6
3/4 cup olive oil, plus additional oil for brushing tortillas
2 teaspoons chili powder
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
2 large zucchini unpeeled, ends trimmed
2 large yellow squash unpeeled, ends trimmed
2 red bell peppers
1 large eggplant, unpeeled, ends trimmed
1 large onion, cut into thin rounds
For the Salsa:
1 pound ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced, more or less to taste
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 whole wheat flour tortillas, 6-inch-diameter
3 ripe avocados
lime wedges for garnish (1 lime)
1. Prepare the vegetables: cut the zucchini and yellow squash lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices. Seeded, derib and cut the green bell pepper into 1-inch wide strips. Cut the eggplant into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Cut the avocados in half lengthwise, peel and remove the pit removed, slice thinly.
2. Preheat the grill to 375°F, a medium-hot grill. Mix the olive oil, garlic, chili powder and salt in a large shallow bowl. Add the zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, eggplant and onion to the bowl. Using your hands, rub the seasonings into the vegetables. Grill the vegetables in batches until lightly charred, about 4 minutes per side, or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Combine the tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, salt and pepper in a nonmetallic bowl, and toss to combine. Taste and correct the seasonings. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to two days. Toss before serving.
4. Lightly brush both sides of the tortillas with olive oil. Grill the tortilla until lightly charred on both sides, about 3 minutes total. Place 1 tortilla on each plate. Distribute the vegetables equally over the tortillas, top with salsa, sliced avocado and lime wedge. Serve.
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Grilled Pita with Carmelized Onion and Goat Cheese
The onions can be cooked up to 3 days in advance — just bring them to room temperature before spooning over the goat cheese.
From The Daily Green
Serves 8
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 jumbo onions (1 pound each), coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Four 6-inch pitas, sliced horizontally in half
6 to 7 ounces soft goat cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves
1. In nonstick 12-inch skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add onions, sugar, and salt, and cook 15 minutes or until very soft, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook 20 minutes longer or until onions are golden brown, stirring frequently.
2. In cup, stir remaining 2 tablespoons oil with tarragon and thyme. Brush cut sides of pitas with herb mixture; spread with goat cheese, then top with caramelized onions.
3. Place pitas, topping-side up, on grill over low heat, and cook 3 minutes or until bottoms are crisp and topping is heated through. Sprinkle with parsley and cut each into 4 wedges to serve.
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