Ban the burger! Ways to raise your barbecue game | Kitchen aide

Sweep aside those boring burgers and bangers, and instead let smoky veg, grilled stone fruits and knockout marinades steal the barbecue show

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I always find barbecues underwhelming. Any easy upgrade ideas?
Megan, Bristol

Vegetables and fruits are the real stars of the barbecue - this is the wisdom of the Middle East," says chef Itamar Srulovich, whose latest cookbook, written with partner Sarit Packer, is called Chasing Smoke. Everything that hits the grills get smoky and sweeter, even cabbage." For something really special", Srulovich dresses charred wedges of the humble veg with chopped shallots, chilli and garlic, all fried in butter with a big handful of dill stirred through at the end. Steve Horrell, executive chef of Roth Bar & Grill in Somerset, meanwhile, tops charred hispi cabbage with caesar dressing or aioli, pangrattato and parmesan, then lets it all melt together".