There are few cooking methods as satisfying as grilling. For starters, you're outside — the weather's warm, you probably have a couple beers in you. More importantly, you're harnessing a whole bunch of fire. It's a great balance of getting primal and enjoying modern-day convenience (see: ketchup).
Grilling on a budget is slightly more difficult, especially if you're looking to entertain a crowd. You're likely not going to be able to spring for steaks or a rackof ribs, but with a few adjustments, you'll be barbecuing with the best of 'em.
Meat
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For the frugal meat eaters out there, I can't stress this enough: Think quality over quantity. Buy good meat that's raised ethically and sustainably. Yes, it's pricier and your barbecue will have less meat overall, but it's better for your health, animal welfare, and the environment.
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Breads
Bread is cheap, carb-y, delicious, and you probably already have it in your house. Grilled garlic toast is a standby; add tomatoes dressed with olive oil and vinegar for easy bruschetta, or top it with pesto. And don't forget about grrilled pizza.
Make your own barbecue sauce for something that's both cheaper and better than anything you can get bottled. Go mustard-based or heavy on the red wine vinegar. Salsas are another way to make your barbecue more interesting, on the cheap — and you can grill those, too. And don't forget to DIY your ketchupand mustard.
Fruit
Fruit grills up beautifully, and allows you to make a relatively involved dessert without spending much time or money — think grilled peaches, apricots, pineapple, and bananas.
