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What’s On Your Grill?

What’s On Your Grill? By Holly Kalyn, Editorial Intern

The warmer weather seems to bring the aroma of grills firing up in the neighborhood as people start to crave the light char taste that’s so suggestive of summer. While we know that part of the beauty of grilling is its simplicity and handiness, making it perfect for a quick backyard dinner, we also believe that you can never have too many vegan grill ideas ready! Among the most common foods grilled are hamburgers and hotdogs. Though I haven’t consumed a real hotdog in years due to its unmentionable contents and the abject cruelty involved in its production, I can’t say I haven’t fantasized about a soft bun with relish, kraut, mustard, and maybe some of those Sabrett onions.  Well, in case you want to add an actual hotdog in the mix but also want to keep it kind, we’ve got ideas for you. And for more inspiration on how to dress up your dogs and get creative with toppings, check out Chef Linda’s theme-dogs for a Vegan Weenie Roast. Field Roast Frankfurters Of the store-bought vegan hot dog varieties, these were definitely the winner in taste, texture, and grill-ability. The spices are spot on and really achieve that real hot dog taste. What’s more they can be barbecued, sautéed, steamed, or microwaved. Carrot Hot Dogs Who would have imagined creating something such as a hot dog from just a commonplace carrot, a vegetable many of us probably have in our fridges right now? I wouldn’t have. But seeing how this is possibly the healthiest hot dog to ever be conceived and they’re completely natural, I get it. If you need help picturing how these are made, the carrots are boiled before they are marinated in a blend of flavorings that include liquid smoke, and then finished off in a skillet. These are such a novel idea—I will definitely be trying carrot dogs this summer. Italian Sausage Dogs A perfect foundation for grilled peppers and onions, Italian sausage is another summertime favorite at barbecues. This recipe gets its substance from vital wheat gluten, oatmeal, and pinto beans, and its flavor from a host of seasonings such as smoked paprika, coriander, and celery seed. You can toss the finished product in a frying pan, in the microwave, or on the grill! Seitan Hot Dogs The recipe’s sizable list of spices and flavorings including miso, mustard seeds, marjoram, and garlic powder is sure to give these seitan hot dogs a ton of savory flavor. Several easy steps will leave you with hot dogs that are said to be moist and have a texture incredibly similar to traditional hot dogs. Vegan Bratwurst Bratwurst, a German classic, has been veganized using white beans, vital wheat gluten, soy-milk, and a variety of seasonings like fennel and nutmeg. Try these wursts alongside vegan German potato salad and a German bier for a German vegan feast! Prost!