Recently I visited Nando's at The Starling. One of the sides that I selected to go with my 1/4 peri peri chicken was chargrilled vegetables.
I had this before at their outlet in 1 Utama and I'm afraid I was not in the least bit impressed. The vegetables were bland and tasteless. I have also experienced horrible tasting roasted vegetables elsewhere.
To my delight, the chargrilled vegetables were well executed and they were smokey and tasty. That's when I decided to make chargrilled vegetables at home.
I had purchased a grill pan not too long ago and I have only used it once or twice. Now it is time to bring it out to grill me some vegetables!
I had three capsicums sitting for 2-3 weeks in the fridge. I was supposed to make roasted capsicum but my plans were interrupted. So they became one of the components of my chargrilled vegetables.
I also added broccoli, onions and button mushrooms. These chargrilled vegetables can also be made very easily in the oven but I used the grill pan because I have more control over the vegetables. Besides it is easier to flip them in the pan. Of course it took a longer time as I had to grill them in batches.
But it was worth the time. I started out with the capsicums, then broccoli, onions and lastly, the button mushrooms. The mushrooms were the best as they cooked very quickly and had a very earthy smokey flavor, pretty much like what you get at a restaurant.
Once all the vegetables were grilled, I mixed and seasoned them with a generous sprinkling or salt and freshly cracked black pepper. These vegetables were really tasty with wonderful flavors.
I would definitely make this again with other combination of vegetables.
We do that sometimes, easy and nice...but we do it in the oven. We do have that pan too - maybe I'll try and use it someday. I love toasting sandwiches on it - will have those nice brown lines.
ReplyDeleteIt's much easier in the oven instead of standing over the hot stove.
DeleteDid you blanch the broccoli before roasting them and did you add oil to the pan when roasting process?
ReplyDeleteI oiled the pan and tossed the vegetables in olive oil. I did not blanch the broccoli.
DeleteOh, did not blanch the broccoli beforehand, can they be cooked thoroughly? Mine always turned out too raw/hard if I didn't blanch them 1st :(
DeleteMine was OK just that had to cook it longer.
Deleteahhh, you have broccoli and onions, two of my faves. now add some corn and eggplant please :D
ReplyDeleteThat's what I was thinking of next!
DeleteThis Nandos really brought their chargrilled vegetables style right out of Africa! My friend who once lived in Senegal told me that's how they cooked everything in bland & dry recipe styles.
ReplyDeleteI knew this smart Ah Hong Chee could turn disaster meals into Emperor's dishes!
LOL! Ah Hong Chee is now in love with Nando's!
DeleteLong time did not dine in Nando's.
ReplyDeleteYour grilled vegetables looked yummy.
Thanks :)
DeleteI remember you making a lot of roasted vegetables (from photo 1 and thought that you did the same when I saw it laid on a tray with parchment paper) only to scroll down and realise you grilled them in a pan! I'd prefer to roast them in the oven as it's easier (no need to 'jaga' them). Actually I think it takes a longer time over a stove top for the veggies to soften than in an oven (especially broccoli, yours look more like they were roasted in the oven...hehe!). I recently realise that onions (besides capsicum & broccoli) roast very well in the oven though I've not tried with mushrooms (will do that next). This is one bowl of veggie I'd eat over and over again...I make them all the time too. ^.^
ReplyDeleteIn the oven it's definitely easier and faster too. The broccoli took quite a long time to get tender, so it is better roasted in the oven. Do try roasting mushrooms. They turn out really delicious!
DeleteFrom roasted vegetables to chargrilled vegetables, cooking is a delight for you. Is it possible to add some garlics? Yums!
ReplyDeleteYes, roasted garlic is a favorite of mine!
Deleteyuummmmmzzzzz, the grilled veggie looks good & colorful! finally can utilize ur grill pan!
ReplyDeleteYes, or else my pan will be a white elephant LOL!
DeleteOh, I love grilled vegetables especially the colourful capsicums because they are very naturally sweet.
ReplyDeleteThey also contributed to the sweet smoky aroma :)
DeleteThose grilled vege sure look simply scrumptious!
ReplyDeleteSedap tau! LOL!
DeleteYeah, now you're talking. Love this type of meal.
ReplyDeleteI know! This type of food is right up your alley!
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