Carrot Hot Dogs, Bean Burgers & Other Vegetarian Grill Ideas

Introduction

As days grow shorter and colder, our appetite craves warm, comforting food that nourishes body and soul. Comfort food can be both delicious and healthy—especially when you’re observing a vegan or plant-based diet this holiday season. Here are several guilt-free, veggie-packed grill recipes to try on a lazy Sunday.

Carrot “Hot Dogs”

Ingredients

• 4 medium carrots, peeled
• 1–2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp homemade ketchup or tomato paste
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 4 hot-dog buns

Steps

1. Marinate: Place carrots in a baking tray, drizzle with oil. Whisk ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic powder and paprika, then pour over carrots. Cover and marinate 30 minutes.
2. Bake: Preheat oven to 200 °C. Roast carrots covered for 20 minutes, uncover and roast another 10–15 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
3. Assemble: Serve carrots in hot-dog buns topped with ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut or caramelized onions as desired.

Bean Burgers

Ingredients

• 2 × 400 g cans cannellini or kidney beans, drained & rinsed
• 100 g breadcrumbs
• 1 egg (or flax “egg” for vegan option)
• Spices to taste (thyme, coriander, paprika)
• 200 g fresh salsa or homemade ketchup
• 150 ml low-fat natural yogurt
• Juice of ½ lemon

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 220 °C. Mash beans in a bowl, stir in breadcrumbs, spices, egg and 2 tbsp salsa.
2. Form 6 patties (freeze extras if desired). Bake 4–5 minutes per side until golden and crisp (200 °C for 20–30 minutes if frozen).
3. Serve on buns with yogurt-lemon sauce, avocado, lettuce, onions, salsa or pickles.

Chickpea Burgers

Ingredients

• 400 g canned chickpeas, drained
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 egg (or flax “egg”)
• 1 red onion, half finely diced, half sliced
• 100 g breadcrumbs
• Spices (cumin, coriander, salt, pepper)

Steps

1. In a food processor, blend chickpeas, lemon zest & juice, spices and egg. Transfer to a bowl, stir in diced onion and breadcrumbs.
2. Shape into 4 patties, coat with extra breadcrumbs, chill 10 minutes.
3. Pan-fry 4 minutes per side over medium heat, or air-fry for a healthier option. Serve with buns, veg and sauces of choice.

Mushroom Burgers

Use large Portobello caps or sautéed mixed mushrooms tossed with garlic, herbs and parsley. Either pile them into buns or grill whole caps as “patties.” Top with vegan cheese, greens and your favorite condiments.

Grilled Green Beans

Ingredients

• 1 kg green beans, ends trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp chili-garlic paste
• 2 tsp honey or maple syrup
• Sesame seeds, sliced green onion and chopped peanuts for garnish

Steps

1. Mix oil, soy sauce, chili paste and honey; toss with beans.
2. Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat, turning until charred, about 7 minutes.
3. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onion and peanuts.

Bonus: Vegan “Mici” (Grill Sausages)

Make plant-based mici using textured soy granules or finely chopped mushrooms, seasoned with garlic, onion, and spices, bound with flour or chickpea flour. Form small sausages, grill until crisp, and serve with mustard and a cold beer for an authentic Romanian experience.