BBQ PORTABELLA: Another Way to Eat a Burger

The Vegetarian's Secret Burger Craving Satisfied

Portabella mushrooms grill up to be tender and meaty. They take on the flavor you cook them in. I'm a proud American who detests hamburgers and hotdogs. No, I am not a vegetarian, only a person who does not fully appreciate the lower grades of processed meat. So what is a vegetarian or someone who does not like burgers and franks to do at a BBQ? I bring along a Portabella mushroom and toss it on the grill next to the burgers. Portabellas are a common vegetarian substitute for burger patties, and are definitely lower in fat and calories. You can even use less sugary sauces like a low-fat vinaigrette in place of the BBQ Sauce. For one of the most delicious sandwiches you will ever taste, make the Mediterranean Style sandwich.

Yield: 1

1 Portabella Mushroom
1/4 Cup of your Favorite BBQ Sauce

BRUSH THE PORTABELLA WITH YOUR FAVORITE BBQ SAUCE AND GRILL UNTIL TENDER AND WARMED THROUGH, CONTINUE BRUSHING WITH EXTRA BBQ SAUCE AS NEEDED DURING COOKING TO KEEP THE PORTABELLA FROM DRYING OUT. PUT ON A HAMBURGER BUN AND DRESS WITH YOUR DESIRED TOPPINGS AND CONDIMENTS.

Mediterranean Style -- Foccacia Bread, Feta Cheese, Fresh Basil Leaves, and Roasted Bell Peppers, you can buy them already prepared or roast your own:

Fast: Place a whole bell pepper on the grill and burn the skin
Once a side has turned black, use tongs to turn it to the next side, continue until the whole pepper is blackened.

Slow: Roast in a 375 oven until the entire skin of the pepper has blackened

Rinse under cool water to remove skins and then slice