A safe & healthy barbecue is ideal for the millions of people in England who hold them each year, usually in their back gardens, but often out in the woods or on the beach. One major supermarket sells 300,000 disposable BBQs a year, but if not done well, it can lead to pollution and wildfires (as has happened recently in the New Forest and Yorkshire). Just lighting a match on warm grass is like setting fire to dry paper, and can devastate wide areas of land (and wildlife) quickly. Many councils are now banning barbecues on public land with petitions to government to protect wildlife.
Use a quality reusable BBQ that’s checked for gas leaks, and turn taps off when not in use, changing cylinders in the open air. Use enough charcoal to cover the base, and use brand-name fire lighters on cold coals, keeping pets and children at a safe distance. Choose flat surfaces (away from tents, trees, caravans). Never leave unattended, and only empty ash into bin, when thoroughly cooled.
City Fire recommends keeping a bucket of water and sand nearby, and a dry powder extinguisher that can be used on gas, oil and flammable liquids to smother oxygen. Foam extinguishers and fire blankets are also good. Use a solar grill like Sun Oven or GoSun. If you smoke, use a Boodi personal ashtray (and recycle beer bottles).
Recipes for Your Veggie BBQ
Choose meat from free-range farms and try these plant-based alternatives (good for your veggie visitors who won’t have to live on baked spuds and roasted sweetcorn).
Check medications (some foods like grapefruit & green veggies) are contraindicated. Avoid nuts, seeds and nut/seed butters for young children. Cut carrot sticks & veggie hot dogs lengthwise then again, to avoid choking. Choose palm-oil-free vegan butters. See foods to keep away from pets.
- Great Vegan BBQ without the Grill is ideal for making recipes in the oven, to serve outside. Written by a mother-daughter team inspired by the USA’s Deep South, recipes include Make ‘Honey’ BBQ Ribz, Beer-Braised Pulled ‘Pork’ Sandwiches, BBQ Jerk Chick’n & Carolina Coleslaw.
- Vegan BBQ is a beautiful book by Germany’s most popular plant-based bloggers. Recipes include Quinoa & Chickpea Burgers, Portobello Mushroom Paninis, Aubergine Gyros, Peppered Tofu Steaks, Cauliflower Cutlets, Courgette Parcels, Stuffed Peppers, Crispy Potato Skins with Guacamole and Braised Radishes in Black Pepper.