Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Balsamic-Glazed Asparagus and Portabella Medley?
It is a vibrant side dish featuring asparagus, portabella mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers marinated in balsamic and olive oil, then grilled and topped with bleu cheese.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 lb of asparagus, 1 large portabella mushroom, 1 medium onion, 1 bell pepper, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper, 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and 1-2 ounces of bleu cheese crumbles.
How long should the vegetables marinate?
The vegetables should be marinated in the refrigerator for at least one hour before grilling.
Can I substitute the bleu cheese?
Yes, if you do not like bleu cheese, you can use grated parmesan cheese instead.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
How do I prepare the vegetables for marinating?
Chop the asparagus, portabella mushroom, onion, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large gallon-sized zip lock bag.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains only vegetables, oil, vinegar, and cheese.
Is this asparagus medley gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
What type of grilling basket should I use?
A bowl-type grilling basket is preferred over a hinged type to allow for easier stirring of the vegetable medley.
How long does it take to grill the vegetables?
The vegetables should be grilled for approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
What is the ideal texture for the cooked vegetables?
The vegetables should be cooked until they are crisp-tender.
How should I prep the portabella mushroom?
The portabella mushroom should be cleaned and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
How do I prep the asparagus?
The asparagus should be trimmed to remove woody ends and then cut into bite-sized pieces.
Should I save the marinade?
Yes, you should drizzle the remaining marinade over the vegetables while they are grilling for added flavor.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a popular side dish found at Whole Foods.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, but you can use fresh minced garlic if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
How many mushrooms are needed?
One large portabella mushroom is required for this recipe.
How often should I turn the marinating bag?
You should turn the bag occasionally while it is in the refrigerator to redistribute the marinade evenly.
Should the vegetables be served hot or cold?
This dish is best served immediately while it is still hot from the grill.
How much balsamic vinegar is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar for the marinade.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe specifies one medium onion, chopped; any variety like yellow, white, or red will work well.
What type of bell pepper is best?
Any color bell pepper (green, red, yellow, or orange) can be used for this medley.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for summer barbecues.
How much olive oil is required?
The marinade requires 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Is this dish high in nutrients?
Yes, the recipe is packed with nutrients from the variety of fresh vegetables used.
What size zip lock bag is recommended?
A gallon-sized zip lock bag is recommended to hold all the chopped vegetables and marinade.
How much bleu cheese is added?
You should sprinkle 1 to 2 ounces of bleu cheese crumbles on top of the cooked vegetables.
Do I need to stir the vegetables while they are on the grill?
Yes, you should stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Can I make this as a main course?
While intended as a side dish, it can be served as a vegetarian main course, perhaps over a grain like quinoa or rice.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your grill to medium-high heat.