Traditionally, the American barbecue was a relentless procession of meat dishes. If you didn’t like hamburgers, hot dogs, shish kebab, or steak, you were pretty much out of luck. No wonder many vegetarians found it easier to stay at home rather than to deal with making a meal from coleslaw and potato salad.
“The one who constantly eats vegetable roots can do anything.”
—Chinese Proverb
Fortunately, times have changed. As more and more Americans switch to at least a partially vegetarian diet, chefs and pit masters have turned their talents to meatless grilling. Vegetarian barbecue has gone full force from the fringe into the culinary mainstream.