There are several vegetables that work well for smoking, offering unique flavors and textures. Some popular options include:
- Bell peppers: Use a mild wood like apple or cherry to complement their sweet flavor.
- Eggplant: Hickory or mesquite wood can add a smoky depth to its creamy texture.
- Zucchini: Pair it with lighter woods like alder or maple for a subtle smoky flavor.
- Corn on the cob: Mesquite or oak wood can enhance the natural sweetness of corn.
- Mushrooms: Use a medium wood like pecan or oak to add richness and depth to their earthy flavor.
- Tomatoes: Use fruit woods like apple or cherry for a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
When choosing the wood for smoking vegetables, it’s generally recommended to use milder woods that won’t overpower their delicate flavors. Fruit woods like apple and cherry are often a good choice, as they impart a subtle and sweet smokiness. Other options include alder, maple, or pecan.
It’s best to experiment with different woods to find the flavors that best complement the vegetables you’re smoking.
Preparing Veggies For Smoking
Seasoning the vegetables prior to smoking is optional and depends on personal preference. Some people like to season their vegetables with salt, pepper, herbs, or spices to enhance the flavor. You can lightly coat the vegetables with olive oil and sprinkle them with your preferred seasonings before smoking.
However, keep in mind that the natural flavors of the vegetables will also develop and intensify during the smoking process, so you may choose to keep the seasoning simple or minimal. Experiment with different seasonings to find what works best for your taste preferences.
Some veggies can be smoked as is but some might have an outer skin or hubs that can be peeled too.
Here’s a table summarizing the recommended preparation for smoking different vegetables:
| Vegetable | Preparation |
|---|---|
| Bell peppers | Remove seeds and stem, peel (optional) |
| Eggplant | Slice into rounds or strips, add salt (optional) |
| Zucchini | Cut into slices or strips, no need to peel |
| Corn on the cob | Remove husk and silk, soak in water (optional) |
| Mushrooms | Wipe clean, trim stems if needed |
| Tomatoes | Cut in half or quarters, remove seeds (optional) |
Remember to adjust the smoking time based on the desired tenderness and smoky flavor of the vegetables. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Several Smoked Vegetable Recipes To Consider
Here are a few delicious recipes that involve smoking vegetables:
- Smoked Stuffed Bell Peppers:
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, chopped jalapenos, and your favorite seasonings.
- Stuff the bell peppers with the quinoa mixture.
- Place the stuffed bell peppers on the smoker grates and smoke for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peppers are tender.
- Serve as a tasty vegetarian main dish or a side.
- Smoked Eggplant Dip (Baba Ganoush):
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121°C).
- Pierce an eggplant with a fork in several places.
- Place the eggplant on the smoker grates and smoke for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the skin is wrinkled and the flesh is soft.
- Remove the eggplant from the smoker and let it cool. Then peel off the skin.
- In a food processor, combine the smoked eggplant flesh, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste and refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors meld.
- Serve the smoked eggplant dip with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
- Smoked Corn Salad:
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- Husk the corn and remove the silk.
- Place the corn directly on the smoker grates and smoke for 30 to 45 minutes, or until lightly charred and tender.
- Let the corn cool, then cut the kernels off the cob.
- In a bowl, combine the smoked corn kernels, diced tomatoes, diced bell peppers, diced red onions, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
These recipes are just a starting point, and you can always customize them with your favorite seasonings, herbs, or additional ingredients. Enjoy experimenting with different vegetables and flavors to create your own unique smoked vegetable dishes!
Final Thoughts
Smoking vegetables adds a unique and delicious smoky flavor that enhances their natural taste. The smoky aroma adds depth and complexity to the vegetables, making them more enticing. Vegetables are widely available and offer a variety of options for smoking, from root vegetables to peppers and mushrooms.
Smoking vegetables is also relatively easy, requiring minimal preparation and cooking time, making it a convenient and healthy cooking method. It allows you to explore different flavors and create flavorful, nutritious dishes that are enjoyed by both vegetarians and meat lovers.
Are you also looking for fruits for smoking? Check out my article What Are The Best Fruits To Smoke (And Woods To Use).