5 Reasons Why You Should Grow Romaine Lettuce for BBQ?

Romaine lettuce is a popular choice for BBQ and one to seriously consider. If you’re into grilling, then you can never get enough of lettuce. Lettuce features a fresh and crisp inside when grilled. 

The exteriors feature a smoky and lovely charred flavor. But that’s not all on lettuce. Lets see some more reasons to grow romaine lettuce for BBQ. 

Versatile use

Romaine lettuce is a popular choice for salads because it is crisp, crunchy, and has a slightly sweet, mild flavor. It is also very versatile and can be used in a variety of different salads. For best results in BBQ use, you should harvest romaine heads.

One way to use romaine lettuce as a versatile salad for a BBQ is to chop it up and mix it with other vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. You could also add some protein to the salad, such as grilled chicken, steak, or tofu. Then, you can dress the salad with your choice of dressing, such as a vinaigrette or a creamy dressing.

You can also use it to make Caesar salad. To make a Caesar salad, you can grill or bake some bread and then cut it into croutons. Then, mix the croutons with the chopped romaine lettuce, some grated Parmesan cheese, and a homemade Caesar dressing made with anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.

Overall, romaine lettuce is a great choice for a BBQ salad because it is refreshing and goes well with a variety of different ingredients.

Nutritious

Romaine lettuce is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and potassium. It’s also low in calories, making it a healthy choice for those trying to watch their weight.

One cup of chopped romaine lettuce contains just 8 calories, but it provides a good amount of dietary fiber, as well as vitamins and minerals.

Some of the chopped lettuce nutrients include dietary fiber, vitamin K, Thiamin, riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E and folate.

In addition to these nutrients, romaine lettuce also contains small amounts of other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Romaine lettuce is a low-calorie, low-fat food that is rich in fiber and nutrients, making it a healthy choice for inclusion in a balanced diet. It is often used in salads and can also be used as a wrap for sandwiches or as a base for grilled or chilled dishes.

Easy to grow

Yes, Briana Yablonski, an expert gardener and a regular contributor for BGN said that romaine lettuce is relatively easy to grow and can be grown in a variety of soil types and climates. It is a cool-season crop, so it is best to plant it in the spring or fall in most regions. Here are some tips for growing Romaine lettuce:

  1. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Lettuce prefers a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
  2. Sow the seeds directly in the soil, about 1/4 inch deep and about 6 inches apart. Alternatively, you can start the seeds indoors and then transplant them outside when they are a few inches tall.
  3. Water the seeds regularly to keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater. Lettuce is prone to rotting if the soil stays too wet.
  4. Fertilize the soil with a balanced fertilize, such as a 10-10-10 formula, before planting the seeds.
  5. Thin the seedlings to about 6 inches apart once they have grown a few inches tall.
  6. Harvest the lettuce when the leaves are crisp and tender. You can cut the whole head off at the base or pick individual leaves as needed.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully grow Romaine lettuce in your garden.

Pest-resistant

Romaine lettuce is relatively resistant to pests, making it a good choice for those who want to avoid using pesticides.

One reason that romaine lettuce is pest resistant is because it is a member of the aster family of plants.It’s one of the few species that are naturally resistant to pests. 

In addition, romaine lettuce is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including hot and dry weather. This makes it less prone to pests and diseases compared to some other types of lettuce.

Flavor

There are a few reasons why some people might consider romaine lettuce to be the best type of lettuce in terms of flavor. It’s a good choice for those who want a subtle lettuce flavor in their dishes. 

First, romaine lettuce has a slightly more robust and hearty flavor compared to other types of lettuce like iceberg or butter lettuce. This is due to the fact that it is a member of the chicory family, which tends to have a slightly more bitter and earthy flavor.

In addition, romaine lettuce has a crunchy texture that adds a refreshing and satisfying element to salads and other dishes. It is also a versatile lettuce that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and grilled or roasted as a side dish.

Overall, growing romaine lettuce for BBQ is a good choice for those who want a versatile, nutritious, and easy-to-grow ingredient that adds flavor to their dishes.

BBQ, Music & Arts – The Way to Bring People Together

Barbecue parties – A way to bring families, friends and the community together. Nothing beats the togetherness that summer BBQs bring. Barbeques are sure ways to bring families and friends together.

It’s not just the food but an atmosphere where everyone could relax and enjoy delicious food, art, and music. Creating the perfect bbq experience is one every family should try to achieve.

So how do you go about creating the perfect bbq experience this summer? Some music, art, food? Well, nothing beats great people around a BBQ grill. Create a central hub – a BBQ.

Set Up a Warm BBQ Space and Have Friends and Family Gather

You need a way to pull people together. It’s a gathering of family and friends, so make sure you have them help you grill. You want to make sure everyone has a role to play. This is what brings families and friends together.

Make the atmosphere a lot more exciting by adding some music. Set a music system close by and have everyone enjoy as the food cooks. These moments are rare and occur a few times a year.

Decorate Your BBQ Space

You want to make sure the moments are memorable by creating an exciting atmosphere. Here, the design and decor of your bbq area are everything. Friends and family need to see the effort you’ve put into the occasion.

You get to spend quality time with friends and family that you’ve not seen for ages. So make sure you add some personal touch to the BBQ experience. Have tables decorated with flowers? 

Flowers add color and make the occasion lively. Set up furniture in a unique design and have the seats and tables well-spaced but close to the BBQ.

Lights and candles are a must. They are crucial and allows the party to go into the night.

Atmosphere and BBQ Parties – Why it Matters?

The one element of a successful BBQ party is the atmosphere. That’s where you need to put more effort. People will stay around after the means and spend quality time if the atmosphere is right. Music, art and storytelling matter.

A perfect atmosphere makes people feel relaxed and at home. Setting the right mood from the start ensures the BBQ party runs smoothly. You want to make sure there are enough seats. And they are comfortable. Bring out your cosiest cushions.

The right atmosphere ensures everyone relaxes and enjoys the time. After all, this is what matters. This is what brings people together. It’s a great time to share stories, music, and create lasting memories.

People are able to enjoy and spend quality time only if they feel comfortable.

Food Preparation: Before or after the guests arrive?

This a very important question. This is one area where most hosts make mistakes. You want friends and family involved in the preparation. Well, that’s right. 

But you want to make sure the food is ready to go to the grill before the guests arrive. Grilling with family and friends is a great way to bond. But make sure the food is ready for grilling.

Side dishes should also be prepared and assembled early enough. Chopping your tomatoes and lettuce should be done before guests arrive. Potatoes for grilling should also be boiled and ready.

There is nothing wrong with asking friends and family to come with side dishes. This makes the party more exciting as they will come with a wide array of side dishes.

People love to show their dishes. It’s never a burden to ask them. After all, you don’t want to cook heaps of potato salad, dozens of eggs and beans alone.

Final Verdict

BBQ parties, music and arts bring family and friends together. You want to have quality time with friends and family. A BBQ party presents the best opportunity to enjoy these lasting moments.

Make sure you plan early and have all foods ready for grilling. Also, design and decor the bbq space to ensure the atmosphere is right. You can be sure of enjoying a great time and food together.

Mustard Cream Potatoes

Ingredients you’ll need

  • 6 red potatoes
  • Kosher salt
  • Olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup ranch
  • 1/4 cup Pork & Mindy’s Mustard Sauce
  • Chopped chives

Instructions

Mix sour cream, ranch and Pork & Mindy’s Mustard Sauce in bowl and refrigerate until needed.

Cook potatoes in salted water until fork tender. Remove from water and smash with spatula.

Oil the baking sheet and place potatoes on sheet. Top with parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil.

Bake 15-20 min at 450°F until golden and crispy. Remove from oven and drizzle with mustard cream and top with chives.

Gardening for the BBQ – Top 10 Vegetables & Herbs to Grow for BBQ

Growing your own fruits and vegetables does bring some satisfaction. With the summer grilling season coming, you want to add some fresh vegetables to your grilling sessions.

While you can’t raise chickens and turkeys in your average backyard, growing vegetables and herbs does make sense. After all, everything tastes a lot better when you make it yourself.

Looking to grow some veggies for barbecue? I’ll share with you ten must-grow vegetables for the BBQ. Keep reading below.

10 Vegetables to Grow in Your Garden for BBQ

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes had to take the first spot on our list. They are versatile and can be used in our daily cooking. For grilling, tomatoes add flavor and color to your BBQ pop.

What’s more, they are popular and quite easy to grow in the garden, patio, and planters on the balcony. According to experts from Backyard Gardeners Network, ‘homegrown tomatoes have a much better flavor than store-bought tomatoes’.

However, if you want to grow the biggest and juiciest tomatoes, they require some important things to consider like spacing the plants properly, choosing high-quality fertilizers, watering the plants properly, and at least 6 hours of sunshine a day to name but a few.

For excellent grilling results, choose the sweet red, zebra, and cherry varieties to grow.

2. Pumpkin

Just like squash, pumpkins are easy to prepare and grill. The best thing about pumpkins is that you can grill them directly on the grates. Sugar pumpkins which are long, are among the best to grill.

Pumpkin is highly nutritious, with large amounts of potassium. You can be sure to add some juicy taste to your barbecue. 

Plant it in early spring, sowing the mounds ⅓ to ¾ inches deep. Pumpkins need space. So make sure you space them well and water them.

3. Zucchini

Zucchini is another excellent vegetable for BBQ. It makes a great combination when grilled alongside chicken breast. Furthermore, it is a low-calorie vegetable and one pretty easy to prepare.

You need to slice thin pieces and grill them alongside the chicken. Zucchini can also be grilled with herbs and spices.

Zucchini is grown the same way as pumpkin in early spring. Make sure the soil is fertile, and choose a sunny spot.

4. Potatoes

Grilled potatoes are quite yummy and a must-try summer barbecue. The experience even gets better when you grill your own harvested potatoes. You can grow potatoes in your backyard or in containers.

If using containers, choose big ones and harvest in late summer. Clean the potatoes, boil them, and then grill.

Cooking them directly over the grill can leave them dried, charred, or too crispy.

5. Corn

Corn is a perfect summer BBQ plant and one to consider planting. But it does require a lot of space. You need warm soil and good access to the sun for some sweet corn.

If you have a large backyard, plant at least three rows four feet long to ensure good pollination. Grill your corn immediately after harvesting it for tasty results.

6. Onions

Onions are a must-have for any summer grilling. The red, yellow, sweet, and white varieties as well as green onions are all delicious for BBQ. They are a classic topping for hot dogs and burgers.

You can grow onions from seed. But it takes quite some time before they mature. Therefore, consider growing them in sets when they have some little bulbs.

Choose cooler temperatures and grow them earlier in the season. Snip seedlings 6 inches deep.

7. Eggplant

Eggplants can be grilled as the main dish. They are the perfect BBQ for vegetarians. You can also serve them with cumin, fete, and garlic.

You can grow seedlings and plant them in your garden. They are more like tomatoes with a fruit hanging. Provide them with a stake for support.

Eggplants are ready for harvest in 16 to 24 weeks. 

8. Asparagus

Well, asparagus for BBQ is pretty delicious. But growing asparagus requires patience. It’s one of the few vegetables where you’ll need a long-term relationship. In the first year, you’ll only harvest a few spears.

However, they will be worth the wait. Once fully grown, you can be sure of harvesting usable spears for the next 30 years!

Asparagus is easy to grill. Toast it directly on the grates and add some salt and oil.

9. Basil

Basils make great toppings for your grilled meat. This fast-growing herb grows best in warm weather.

Basil needs to be used frequently as it grows best when you pinch some leaves off. So be sure to use it regularly.

10. Rosemary

Adding some rosemary to your grilled chicken or beef will for sure spice it up. The great aroma is enough reason to plant some rosemary.

You can grow rosemary in a pot by transplanting the seedling from your garden. Make sure you don’t plant it too deeply, as this can suffocate it.

Water the plant when only 1-2 inches of the soil is dry touch. Overeating rosemary can cause it to die.

Final Verdict

That wraps it from us! You now know the best vegetables to grow for barbecue. Growing and grilling your own vegetables is quite exciting. It does bring about a feeling of satisfaction. 

Don’t wait. Plant your vegetables in early spring and have them ready by late summer for some BBQ.

Apricot Habanero Crispy Shrimp

Ingredients you’ll need

  • 1 tablespoon of oil
  • 2 scallions thinly sliced (white end, greens reserved for garnish)
  • 1 red bell pepper (Julienne)
  • 1 cup snow peas
  • ¼ cup carrots
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (cut small)
  • ½ tsp. fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 clove, fresh garlic chopped
  • ¼ cup of Pork & Mindy’s Asian Plum Sauce
  • ¼ cup Pork & Mindy’s Apricot Habanero Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (garnish)
  • Leftover cold fried shrimp (tails off) (hit under the broiler for a couple of minutes to re-crisp)
  • Instant white rice (cook to package specifications)

Instructions

Heat oil in pan over high heat, add chopped scallions, red bell pepper, snow peas, carrots and broccoli florets.

Sautee for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Lower heat to medium.

Add in garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add sauces and let simmer 5 min. Add shrimp and toss to coat.

Serve over white rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

BBQ Green Beans

Ingredients you’ll need

  • 2 pounds cut green beans
  • Crushed toasted almonds
  • Pork & Mindy’s Sweet Sauce

Instructions

Cook green beans to specified instructions. Toss cooked green beans in Pork & Mindy’s Sweet Sauce to coat. Place green beans on grill, cook for 1-2 minutes per side until tender and caramelized.

Place on plate and top with toasted almonds.